Vatican City, 22 January 2014 (VIS) –
The participants in the 44th World Economic Forum, to be held in
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, have received a message from Pope
Francis, in which he invites the Heads of State, economists and
businesspeople attending the meeting to approach economics from an
inclusive perspective, taking into account the dignity of every human
person and the common good. The Pope also manifested his hope that
this encounter may represent an opportunity for in-depth reflection
on the causes of the economic crisis that has gripped the world
during recent years.
The 2014 edition of the annual meeting
of the World Economic Forum will be attended by 40 heads of State and
Government and more than 2,500 other participants from around 100
countries, 1,500 of whom are business leaders from the thousand
companies that make up the Forum, as well as representatives of
international organisations, civil society, the media, education and
arts.
Published below is the Pope's message
to Klaus Schwab, executive president of the World Economic Forum,
which was read by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of
the Pontifical Council “Justice and Peace”.
“I am very grateful for your kind
invitation to address the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum,
which, as is customary, will be held at Davos-Klosters at the end of
this month. Trusting that the meeting will provide an occasion for
deeper reflection on the causes of the economic crisis affecting the
world these past few years, I would like to offer some considerations
in the hope that they might enrich the discussions of the Forum and
make a useful contribution to its important work.
“Ours is a time of notable changes
and significant progress in different areas which have important
consequences for the life of humanity. In fact, 'we must praise the
steps being taken to improve people’s welfare in areas such as
health care, education and communications' (Evangelii Gaudium, 52),
in addition to many other areas of human activity, and we must
recognize the fundamental role that modern business activity has had
in bringing about these changes, by stimulating and developing the
immense resources of human intelligence. Nonetheless, the successes
which have been achieved, even if they have reduced poverty for a
great number of people, often have led to a widespread social
exclusion. Indeed, the majority of the men and women of our time
still continue to experience daily insecurity, often with dramatic
consequences.
“In the context of your meeting, I
wish to emphasize the importance that the various political and
economic sectors have in promoting an inclusive approach which takes
into consideration the dignity of every human person and the common
good. I am referring to a concern that ought to shape every political
and economic decision, but which at times seems to be little more
than an afterthought. Those working in these sectors have a precise
responsibility towards others, particularly those who are most frail,
weak and vulnerable. It is intolerable that thousands of people
continue to die every day from hunger, even though substantial
quantities of food are available, and often simply wasted. Likewise,
we cannot but be moved by the many refugees seeking minimally
dignified living conditions, who not only fail to find hospitality,
but often, tragically, perish in moving from place to place. I know
that these words are forceful, even dramatic, but they seek both to
affirm and to challenge the ability of this assembly to make a
difference. In fact, those who have demonstrated their aptitude for
being innovative and for improving the lives of many people by their
ingenuity and professional expertise can further contribute by
putting their skills at the service of those who are still living in
dire poverty.
“What is needed, then, is a renewed,
profound and broadened sense of responsibility on the part of all.
'Business is - in fact - a vocation, and a noble vocation, provided
that those engaged in it see themselves challenged by a greater
meaning in life' (Evangelii Gaudium, 203). Such men and women are
able to serve more effectively the common good and to make the goods
of this world more accessible to all. Nevertheless, the growth of
equality demands something more than economic growth, even though it
presupposes it. It demands first of all 'a transcendent vision of the
person' (Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 11), because 'without the
perspective of eternal life, human progress in this world is denied
breathing-space' (ibid.). It also calls for decisions, mechanisms and
processes directed to a better distribution of wealth, the creation
of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which
goes beyond a simple welfare mentality.
“I am convinced that from such an
openness to the transcendent a new political and business mentality
can take shape, one capable of guiding all economic and financial
activity within the horizon of an ethical approach which is truly
humane. The international business community can count on many men
and women of great personal honesty and integrity, whose work is
inspired and guided by high ideals of fairness, generosity and
concern for the authentic development of the human family. I urge you
to draw upon these great human and moral resources and to take up
this challenge with determination and far-sightedness. Without
ignoring, naturally, the specific scientific and professional
requirements of every context, I ask you to ensure that humanity is
served by wealth and not ruled by it.
“Dear Mr Chairman and friends: I hope
that you may see in these brief words a sign of my pastoral concern
and a constructive contribution to help your activities to be ever
more noble and fruitful. I renew my best wishes for a successful
meeting, as I invoke divine blessings on you and the participants of
the Forum, as well as on your families and all your work”.
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