Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Economy needs to recover ethics and the 'logic of giving,' Pope explains

New encyclical seeks to place man at center of economy

Vatican City, Jul 8, 2009 / 11:24 am (CNA).- This morning in Rome, the Pope interrupted his series of teachings on the saints to explain the essential thoughts contained in his new social encyclical, published yesterday. In the face of the world's “vast and profound” problems, Benedict XVI stated that the world economy must recover ethical principles.

The encyclical, explained the Holy Father, highlights the fact that "charity in truth is the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and of all humanity. ... Only with charity, illuminated by reason and by faith, is it possible to pursue development goals that possess a more humane and humanizing value."

The document, he went on, "intensifies Church analysis and reflection on social themes of vital interest to humankind in our century. In a special way it harks back to what Paul VI wrote more than forty years ago in his 'Populorum progressio.'"

In a manner similar to all papal teachings, Pope Benedict noted that “'Caritas in veritate.' does not seek to offer technical solutions to the enormous social problems of the modern world. ...What it does do is recall the fundamental principles that are indispensable for building human development over coming years."
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See also from Asia News, "Pope: pray that the G8 decisions are useful for the true progress of nations."

And from YouTube-Vatican's Channel:

Benedict XVI: Humanity is a single family
July 8, 2009

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 1:52 PM