Pope publishes third encyclical, 'Caritas in veritate'

After two and a half years of work, Benedict XVI has published his third encyclical. In it, he asks that human beings return to the center of state and business interests.

Its called Caritas in Veritate or Charity in Truth, and it follows Catholic doctrine on social topics like globalization, the economic crisis, and environmental issues.

Benedict XVI asks that the economic model of the west take into account justice and the common good, not just the monetary benefits.

Stefano Zamagni
Economist, University of Bologna (Italia)
The encyclical sees capitalism in its historic dimension and suggests going beyond it. It highlights the intrinsic limits of capitalism, whose goal is to obtain the greatest possible benefit, and suggests that all society have this goal too.

Card. Renato Martino
President, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
The whole encyclical talks about ethics. Not only ethics in finances but in all actions by those responsible, because the world cannot be governed without moral principles.

With the title Charity in Truth, the pope warns of the dangers of a solidarity thats merely sentimental, that does not take into account the real needs of people. For example, helping the poor, is helping them to not depend on the stronger one.

Stefano Zamagni
Economist, University of Bologna (Italy)
If we eliminate debt but dont fix the structures that produced the debt, then the problems will not go away.

Throughout the encyclical he defends workers rights and the liberty of unions, criticizes the rigidity of intellectual property laws on health patents, and encourages people to take part in the political process.

He asks everyone, from businesses owners to government officials, to make decisions with the common good of all people in mind. For example, he explains that any measure taken that violates the dignity of women, the family, or the unborn is not authentic progress.

He also criticized the politics of demographic control, especially in those countries that impose abortion or sterilization, and denounces organizations that only help countries that restrict or control family planning.

Among the 78 points of the encyclical
the pope discusses a variety of topics like ecology, opportunity for work, and healthcare.

Benedict XVI
Now we must study and go deeper into it.

The pope does not suggest concrete measures to end the economic crisis. Hed rather give general points to be used as guidelines.

Its a call to the responsibility of each person to guide the progress of humanity.

JMB/RS

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[mariemarie1980]

Green Belt Movement - Wangaari Maathai started it. She is a feminst, African, Catholic & Nobel Prize winner.

[holy1971]

His Holiness...this is what I'm talking about...people uplift him as God. This should not be so. The Pope speaks and the world listens, yet their doctrines are tainted even though they appear to be pious and devout. Do your research. Study your word. Stop uplifting this person who thinks he has the same authority as God Himself to omit portions of our bible like one of God's commandments to keep His Sabbath holy.

[thealphacrow]

1:10 These words are so true.

[ExATEOnowIMsuperior]

¿HAY ROME REPORTS EN ESPAÑOL EN YOUTUBE?

¿DOES EXIST ROME REPORTS YOUTUBE IN SPANISH?!ii

[shadmikharner]

I completely understand. I also understand that the His Holiness is neither a resolution manager nor a diplomat. But, I wanted to see a bit more CONCRETE statements and concepts and not just light and vague statements.

[emirguy]

i liked how he pointed out that in orther to truly help the poor we need to help them not depend on the rich. i think that we have to help them depend on God first and then on them selfs by providing jobs. does anyone know if there are institutions that do that already?

[shadmikharner]

I wish this encyclical discussed a bit more on SOCIAL and INTERNATIONAL issues then just ethical. for example east vs. west, but I am still impressed

I greatly appreciate how Pope B16 is leaning toward the tridentine rite slowly