The Economy of Francesco: Ongoing Perspectives for a New Economy

Abstract

In this editorial we introduce and discuss what the Economy of Francesco (EoF) is and why it matters for research at the crossroad between Economics, Management, Spirituality and Religion. EoF is both a process and a community of people researching economics and management, and/or practising economic activities in the spirit of the long tradition of Catholic social teaching. Founding its ideal roots in the mediaeval spiritual movement of St. Francis, and its fresher branches in the recent encyclicals of Pope Francis on integral ecology (Laudato Sì) and on fraternity (Fratelli Tutti). In this editorial essay, we present and discuss the four papers published in this special issue, and we explore three main areas of research which may be advanced through the lens, the process and the spirit of EoF: sustainable entrepreneurship, inclusive finance, and relationships and communities. Finally, we offer some inspirational research questions that this process has still left unanswered.