Pope Benedict XVI's speech to participants of study sponsored by the Foundation Centesimus Annus - Pro Pontifice

(May 22, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI while addressing the delegates of the conference sponsored by the Foundation Centesimus Annus - Pro Pontifice said that the Christian vision of development, progress and the common good, as is apparent in the Social Doctrine of the Church which responds to the deepest longings of men and deepens their commitment to humanity and is a valuable contribution to build the "civilization of 'love'. The Foundation of religion and worship “Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice” founded by Pope John Paul II, is based in the State of Vatican City. The aim of the Papal Foundation is to collaborate towards the diffusion of human, ethical, social and Christian values, which are described in particular in the Encyclical “Centesimus Annus” published in 1991 at the hundredth year of Rerum Novarum. The Pontiff added that today more than ever, the human family can grow as a free society directed by solidarity and the common good, and experiencing social justice, which is in the message of Christ and the Church. Referring to the encyclical caritas in Veritate the Pope said that the risk for our time is that the de facto interdependence of people and nations is not matched by ethical interaction of consciences and minds that would give rise to truly human development. Only in charity, illumined by the light of reason and faith, is it possible to pursue development goals that possess a more humane and humanizing value. He called on them to ensure that there is the economic-productive and socially responsible and humane society, united nationally and internationally. The concept of integral human development, said the Holy Father, requires precise coordination, such as subsidiarity and solidarity and the interdependence between state, society and market.