On Cyber Monday, pope urges generosity, not consumerism

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Pope Francis delivers a blessing from his studio window overlooking St.Peter's Square on the occasion of the Angelus noon prayer, at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

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."