International Conference of the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice

(May 31, 2008) The man, to whom God in Genesis has entrusted the earth, has the responsibility to bear fruit all earthly goods, pledging to use them to meet the many needs of every member of the human family, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was addressing the members of the International conference of the Foundation Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice, in Rome on the 31^st of May. The economic and commercial interest must never become exclusive, because it would mortify de facto human dignity, added the Holy Father. The theme of the conference is "social capital and human development." speaking in the context of globalisation, the Pope invited them all to offer the contribution of their reflection for the realization of a just world economic order. Founded on June 5, 1993, Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice” (CAPP) is a lay-led, pontifical organization, characterized by a special relationship with its founder, Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI, who continues the tradition of yearly meetings with them addressed the Conference and its leaders on May 31. The Holy Father sees CAPP as a vehicle for lay education and evangelization of Catholic social doctrine, as contained in the encyclical Centesimus Annus. CAPP is made up of business people, academics, and professionals who assist Pope Benedict XVI in the continuing call for a "New Evangelization.