Pope Francis recently renewed his plea for economic equity in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, lamenting the failures of free-market capitalism as the massive gap between rich and poor grows. But is he missing a simple truth?

If we want to effectively address economic inequity, as well as extreme child poverty and the climate crisis, we have to start at the source. Universal family planning reforms that ensure every child a fair start in life are the most effective way to create equity, eliminate poverty, and restore the nature created by the god Pope Francis worships.

Promoting that change does not require any changes in the Vatican’s position on contraception or abortion; it simply takes calling for an equity-based standard for policymaking and prioritization in the redistribution of resources. Having Kids has a history of engaging the Vatican on issues around creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

Urge Pope Francis and addressing to make good on his words and support #fairstart reform. Write him by mail and address it to His Holiness Pope Francis, Apostolic Palace, 00120 Vatican City.