The article examines parallel themes between the new political theology of Johann Baptist Metz and the pastoral-theological approach of Pope Francis seeking a deeper connection beyond the common heritage of the Second Vatican Council. By comparing the post-idealist theological paradigm of the new political theology, as well as its task of being the »theological hermeneutics of political ethics«, and the Pope’s pastoral principles from the apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium, rooted in the Argentine »theology of the people«, the article concludes that Metz and the Holy Father share the emphasis on historical consciousness in theological reflection, more precisely, that the expression of the deposit of faith and the practice of faith are conditioned by socio-historical circumstances which is why salvation cannot be considered separately from the pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice. From this, Metz’s theodically expressed sensitivity to suffering and the Pope’s emphasis on God’s mercy also complement each other.