Not for the first time, Pope Benedict has proven, when it comes to economics, the old adage that it’s better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

The Pope compared the world’s poorest continent, which he visited earlier this year, to a spiritual “lung” at risk of being attacked by what he called the viruses of materialism and religious fundamentalism, as he opened a synod of Roman Catholic bishops on Africa.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the so-called ‘First’ World has exported up to now and continues to export its spiritual toxic waste that contaminates the peoples of other continents, particularly those of Africa,” he said.

“In this sense colonialism, which is over at a political level, has never really entirely come to an end.”

Lamenting the exploitation of Africa’s vast resources, the Pope also spoke out against religious fundamentalism, which he said was mixed with political and economic interests.

The “virus of materialism” the Pope refers to is exactly what Africa lacks.  It has allowed the “First World” to experience a level of peace and prosperity unheard of in human history.  We know what works at lifting people out of poverty, but the Pope’s backward economic views would condemn Africa to continuing and unnecessary suffering.