Despite the ongoing deadlock concerning the Syrian negotiations that have not yet taken off and although the continuing humanitarian crisis has not been seriously dealt with, pessimism fortunately has been forcefully interrupted by the healing voice of Pope Francis.

His statement in Davos to political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum, "I ask you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it," has acted to brake the anxiety felt by so many people throughout the world. In these few words, he provided a formula — perhaps a doctrine — that should be carefully studied and analyzed, because it has a prescription to heal the serious and agonizing problems that ever-present poverty has caused. It advocates using the earnings of humankind to provide freedom and equality and sees the role of wealth as an investment for sustainable human development and empowerment. 

One thing is for sure amid the dethronement of reason in many parts of the world today: This paper instruction (read by Cardinal Peter Turkson in Davos) provides a path toward the healing of multiple wounds that major sectors of the world's population are experiencing.

In other words, Pope Francis seems determined to prevent hopelessness as an option.