World Economic Forum

Extract from the Pope’s Message for the World Economic Forum

“Ours is a time of notable changes and significant progress in different areas which have important consequences for the life of humanity. In fact, ‘we must praise the steps being taken to improve people’s welfare in areas such as health care, education and communications’ (Evangelii Gaudium 52), in addition to many other areas of human activity, and we must recognize the fundamental role that modern business activity has had in bringing about these changes, by stimulating and developing the immense resources of human intelligence. Nonetheless, the successes which have been achieved, even if they have reduced poverty for a great number of people, often have led to a widespread social exclusion. Indeed, the majority of the men and women of our time still continue to experience daily insecurity, often with dramatic consequences. In the context of your meeting, I wish to emphasise the importance that the various political and economic sectors have in promoting an inclusive approach which takes into consideration the dignity of every human person and the common good. I am referring to a concern that ought to shape every political and economic decision, but which at times seems to be little more than an afterthought. Those working in these sectors have a precise responsibility towards others, particularly those who are most frail, weak and vulnerable.

"Render Unto Caesar..."

It is intolerable that thousands of people continue to die every day from hunger, even though substantial quantities of food are available, and often simply wasted. Likewise, we cannot but be moved by the many refugees seeking minimally dignified living conditions, who not only fail to find hospitality, but often, tragically, perish in moving from place to place. I know that these words are forceful, even dramatic, but they seek both to affirm and to challenge the ability of this assembly to make a difference. In fact, those who have demonstrated their aptitude for being innovative and for improving the lives of many people by their ingenuity and professional expertise can further contribute by putting their skills at the service of those who are still living in dire poverty. “What is needed, then, is a renewed, profound and broadened sense of responsibility on the part of all. ‘Business is - in fact - a vocation, and a noble vocation, provided that those engaged in it see themselves challenged by a greater meaning in life’ (Evangelii Gaudium 203). Such men and women are able to serve more effectively the common good and to make the goods of this world more accessible to all. Nevertheless, the growth of equality demands something more than economic growth, even though it presupposes it.

It demands first of all ‘a transcendent vision of the person’ (Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate 11), because ‘without the perspective of eternal life, human progress in this world is denied breathing-space’ (ibid). It also calls for decisions, mechanisms and processes directed to a better distribution of wealth, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality.

Source: VIS, 22 January 2014

Pope asks families to pray for the Synod on the Family

I wish ... to come into your homes to speak about an event which will take place at the Vatican this coming October. It is the Extraordinary General Assemby of the Synod of Bishops, which is being convened to discuss the theme of “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelisation”. Indeed, in our day the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel by confronting the new and urgent pastoral needs facing the family.

This important meeting will involve all the People of God -- bishops, priest, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful of the particular Churches of the entire world -- all of whom are actively participating in preparations for the meeting through practical suggestions and the crucial support of prayer.

Source: VIS, 25 February 2014