(Wed.04 April,2007):- “Work must always have as its goal the true progress of the
human person and the common good”, Pope Benedict XVI told the General Confederation
of Italian Artisans and their families, who were celebrating the 60th anniversary
of the organization. Addressing some 7,000 people in Vatican’s audience hall, the
Pontiff praised this organization, which has impressed its own style on the progress
of Italy. Citing late Pope John Paul II's 1981 encyclical, "Laborem Exercens," Pope
Benedict affirmed that the Church, faithful to the word of God, does not cease to
recall that principle, according to which, “work is for man, man is not for work,
and proclaim the primacy of man over the work of his hands. All must be directed toward
the true progress of the human person and the common good: capital, science, technology,
public resources and private property," said Pope Benedict . He added that these
principles have been fulfilled by the confederation inspired by the teachings of the
Gospel and the principles of the Church's social doctrine. The Pope urged then to
continue with tenacity and perseverance to foster and improve the productive culture
of craftsmanship, which is capable of giving life to great occasions of balanced economic
progress and to meetings of men and nations. The General Confederation is an autonomous
organization, founded on the principle of free entrance and open to all artisan entrepreneurs
and to small firms. The General Confederation has 117 territorial associations, 1250
territorial offices, and 14,000 collaborators in Italy.