WORK IS THE THEME OF POPE'S ADDRESS TO ACADEMICIANS

VATICAN CITY, MAR 6, 1999 (VIS) - Members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning at the end of their fifth general assembly, during which they discussed, for the third consecutive year, the theme of work. This was also the focus of the Pope's address to academicians, in which he stressed that "man must be at the center of work."

He highlighted the worldwide problem of unemployment, which "makes people and entire families fragile. ... They feel neither recognized nor useful for society, and from that comes the spiral of indebtedness." He urged the academicians "to seek new ways of reducing unemployment," acknowledging that "concrete solutions are certainly difficult" due to numerous and complex economic and political factors.

"Employment," the Pope continued, "is certainly a major challenge of international life. It presupposes a healthy sharing of labor and solidarity among all persons of a working age and who are suitable to do so. ...The parallel organization of moonlighting (underground work force) seriously harms a country's economy, for it constitutes a refusal to participate in national life through social security and taxes; ... it also places workers ... in an uncontrollable and unacceptable situation of submission and servility."

"For every person, work is an essential element. It contributes to the edification of their being. ... Work also gives every individual a place in society," and the knowledge that "they are useful to the human community."

Those most often touched by unemployment, said John Paul II, are young people. Leaders must do everything possible to assure youth, who are "one of a nation's most precious goods," of employment, in order to give them a sense of self-assurance and of belonging and contributing to society. "This will also reduce disparity among social classes, as well as the phenomena of violence, prostitution, drugs and delinquency."

"It is essential to have faith in people, to develop a system which privileges the sense of innovation on the part of individuals as well as groups, and favors participation and solidarity. ... Industry leaders and decision-makers must be aware that it is essential to base their approach on human capital and moral values, especially on respect for persons and their inalienable need to have employment. ... The globalization of the economy and of work likewise calls for the globalization of responsibilities."

The Holy Father decried the exploitation of poor countries with natural resources by rich countries and the unequal sharing of riches that results. He reiterated in concluding remarks that "the economy, work and enterprises are above all at the service of people."

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