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On Cyber Monday, Pope Urges Generosity, not Consumerism

by Associated Press

   VATICAN CITY --

   Pope Francis says the "sickness of consumerism" is the enemy of
   generosity as he called for the faithful to give a little something to
   the poor.
   Francis made the comments during his morning homily Monday, so-called
   Cyber Monday when online retailers woo shoppers with bargains ahead of
   Christmas.
   Francis made no mention of Christmas shopping -- in Italy, the official
   season begins Dec. 8 -- but his plea for generosity will likely be
   repeated in coming weeks.
   Francis said giving away clothes, shoes or groceries can help the poor:
   "How many pairs of shoes do I have? One, two, three, four, 15, 20? ...
   If you have so many, give away half."
   He said: "We can make miracles with generosity of little things."