Pope in new book says concern for poor, critique of capitalism is Gospel, not communism

Pope Francis is insisting that his concern for the poor and critique of the global economic system isn't some novel, communist-inspired ideology but rather the original and core "touchstone" of the Christian faith.

Some U.S. conservatives have branded Francis a Marxist for his frequent critiques of consumerism and focus on a church "that is poor and for the poor." But in an interview contained in a new book, Francis explains that his message is entirely rooted in the Gospel and has been echoed by church fathers since Christianity's first centuries.

In the book "This Economy Kills," a study of Francis' economic and social teachings, Francis says: "The Gospel does not condemn the wealthy, but the idolatry of wealth."