Pope Benedict: love and solidarity in an economic world
In a world that has been battered by the global economic downturn Pope Benedict on
Saturday stressed the duty the Church has at this time to proclaim with renewed vigor
the message of Christ which is hope.The Holy Father was speaking to members
of the Confederation of Italian Cooperatives and the Federation of Italian Co-operative
Banks in the Clementine Hall in the Vatican.
The Pope recalled how the Church
down through the years has encouraged the prolific presence of Catholics in Italian
society through the promotion of cooperative institutions, the development of social
enterprises and many other works of public interest, characterized by forms of participation
and self-management.
What has prompted members to join in a co-operative-type
organizations, said Pope Benedict was not only for economic reasons, but also the
desire to live an experience of unity and solidarity.
The Pope also noted the
fact that these institutions had a valuable role to play in promoting evangelical
ideals and the culture of life and family.
Taking inspiration from his encyclical
Caritas in Veritate, the Holy Father said that even in the field of economics and
finance "right intention, transparency and the search for positive results were mutually
compatible and must never be separated.”
Drawing his address to a close the
Holy Father urged those present to remain faithful to the Gospel and the teaching
of the Church which encourages “social development, experiences of microcredit and
an economy driven by a logic of communion and fraternity.”
Even in the world
economy, said Pope Benedict, it is necessary to draw on our relationship with God,
in order to live in love and solidarity. Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report