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Holy Father Appeals for Globalized Solidarity
“The great challenge of today is to 'globalize,' not just
economic and commercial interests, but also the call for solidarity,
while respecting and taking advantage of the contribution of all
components of society."
Pope Benedict XVI made the appeal on May 31 upon receiving in audience
participants from the annual international congress of the Centesimus
Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation on Social Capital and Human Development.
The foundation was established by Pope John Paul II in 1993 to promote
the social doctrine of the Church in professional and business sectors.
The Pope noted that the world is increasingly affected by intertwined
economic and commercial interests. He also emphasized on the foundation’s
promotion of lobal development that permits for the essential development
of man, while highlighting the contribution that can be made by
voluntary associations, nonprofit foundations and other community
groups that have come into being with the aim of making the social
fabric ever more cohesive."
He added that harmonious development is possible if the economic
and political decisions take into account the fundamental principles
that make it accessible to all particularly the principles of subsidiarity
and solidarity. He also stressed the significance of keeping the
person, created in the image of God and loved by him, [...] at the
center of every economic plan to protect and administer the immense
resources of creation.
He stated: "Only a shared culture of responsible and active
participation will enable human beings to consider themselves not
just as users or passive witnesses, but as active participants in
world development.”
"It is necessary to prevent profit becoming purely individual,
and to guard against forms of collectivism that oppress personal
freedom. Economic and commercial interests must never become exclusive,
because this would be an effective affront to human dignity,"
he added.
After thanking the members of the foundation for their tireless
and generous support in to the Church's charitable activities and
works of human promotion, the Pope invited them to reflect on the
creation of a just world economic order.
In conclusion, the Pontiff stated: "On the last day, on the
Judgment Day, we will be asked whether we used what God placed at
out disposal to meet legitimate requirements, to help our fellow
man, especially the smallest and those most in need."
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“Jesus’
Baptism”