Pope Francis sends a message to
those taking part in the Forum of the European House-Ambrosetti, telling them
economics ought to become “the expression of a care and concern that does not
exclude but seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give
life.”
By Vatican News
The Forum of the European
House-Ambrosetti is an annual event that brings together Heads of State and
government, representatives of European institutions and business leaders to
discuss issues of major importance for the economy and society.
This 46th edition, which
takes place in Northern Italy from 4-5 September, has as its theme,
“Intelligence on the World”, Europe and Italy.
In a message to
participants, Pope Francis notes that this year’s Forum deals with significant
issues involving society, the economy and innovation “that call for
extraordinary efforts to meet the challenges created or aggravated by the
present medical, economic and social emergency.”
The experience of the
pandemic, the Pope writes, “has taught us that none of us is saved alone. We
have experienced at first hand the vulnerability of the human condition that is
ours and that makes us one family.”
He points out that, “Having
failed to show solidarity in wealth and in the sharing of resources, we have
learned to experience solidarity in suffering.”
Challenges of the pandemic
In cultural terms, Pope
Francis highlights that “this time of trial has taught us a number of
lessons.” While showing the world the
greatness of science, it has also laid bare its limits, he says.
“It has called into
question the scale of values that sets money and power over all else.”
The Pope goes on to say
that the pandemic “has made us refrain from the superfluous and concentrate on
the essential.”
“In the face of a future
that appears uncertain and full of challenges, especially on the social and
economic level, we have been moved to spend this time discerning what is lasting
from what is fleeting, what is necessary from what is not,” says Pope Francis
Economy
In the situation in which
the world is living, the Pope stresses that “economics in its deepest human
meaning as the governance of our earthly home takes on even greater
importance.”
Economics, he explains,
ought to become “the expression of a care and concern that does not exclude but
seeks to include, that does not demean but seeks to uplift and give life.”
At a time, the Pope says,
when “science and technology have, of themselves, proved insufficient… What has
proved decisive instead, is the outpouring of generosity and courage shown by
so many persons.”
What is needed now, Pope
Francis underlines, is a new way of thinking, “one that can broaden our gaze
and guide technology towards the service of a different model of development,
more healthy, more human, more social and more integral.”
Discernment
The present, the Pope
writes, “is a time for discernment in light of the principles of ethics and the
common good, for the sake of the recovery desired by all… Christ urged all who heard Him, and ourselves
today, not to stop at externals, but to discern sagely the signs of the times.
To do so, two things are demanded, conversion and creativity.”
An ecological conversion,
he adds, is required to “reconnect with the world around us.
“We are also called to be
creative, like artisans, devising fresh new ways to pursue the common
good.” There needs to be the creativity
of love, the Pope emphasizes, that inspires bold decisions and “can restore
meaning to the present, in order to open it to a better future.”
The next generation
In his message, Pope
Francis underlines the importance of investing in young people, which is why
-he says - he has invited them to meet from 19-21 November in Assisi, the town
of the young Saint Francis.
They are the next
generation of economists and entrepreneurs who will be the protagonists of
tomorrow's economy, “prepared to put themselves at the service of the community
and the creation of a culture of encounter,” says the Pope.
The future of Europe
Seventy years have passed
since the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, which paved the way for today’s
European Union.
Noting that significant
date, and the Forum’s work on a development agenda for Europe, the Pope
comments that “Europe is called to show leadership in a creative effort.”
That creative effort, he
stresses, is one of solidarity which is the “antidote to the virus of
selfishness, a virus far more potent than Covid-19.”
The human person, says the
Pope must take centre stage and be at the heart of “our educational,
healthcare, social and economic policies. Persons must be welcomed, protected,
accompanied and integrated when they come knocking on our doors, seeking a
future of hope.”
Concluding his message,
Pope Francis expresses the hope that the Forum’s discussions will prove
fruitful. He also urges participants “to strive to develop new understandings
of the economy and progress, to combat every form of marginalization, to
propose new styles of life and to give a voice to those who have none.”
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento