Pope warns of consumerism 'virus'

December 2, 2019

Pope Francis has warned against craving consumption in the run-up to Christmas, describing consumerism as "a virus that attacks the faith at the roots".

"We need to expose the delusion that you're happy when you have so many things. Resist the glaring lights of consumption that shine everywhere this month," the Pope said at a mass at the Vatican in Rome during one of the year's biggest shopping weekends.

His comments came between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the post-Thanksgiving buying bonanzas where stores offer special discounts and sales to begin the festive gift-buying season ahead of Christmas.