Last week, Pope Benedict published his latest encyclical, "Caritas in Veritate," or "Charity in Truth.'' The latest in a century-plus of papal statements advocating for moral reforms in our world's economic and political order, this detailed document calls for greater protections for workers and the poor.
Some people get nervous when religious leaders reach beyond strictly private, spiritual matters to address public affairs such as economic justice and international cooperation. While this is an understandable reaction, the Vatican has been extremely deliberate to comment on social justice concerns in a style that is modest and constructive, ever vigilant not to exceed its expertise.
As moral voices, popes have been remarkably consistent in proposing - rather than in any way imposing - ethical approaches to public issues in a pluralistic world.
Since 18 years had gone by since John Paul II issued the previous social encyclical, there was much for Benedict to analyze: the present financial crisis, for one, and trends like enhanced globalization, migration, environmental degradation and new technologies. Traditional Catholic values such as attention to the common good, social justice and human dignity are applied to current global realities in new ways by Benedict.
By Father Thomas Massaro, S.J., a native of Floral Park, is professor of moral theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Link (here) to read Father Massaro's full article.
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