Vatican City, 20 February 2015 (VIS) –
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Holy See Permanent Observer at the United
Nations in New York addressed the 53rd Session of the Commission for
Social Development on 10 February. He highlighted the Holy See's
concerns regarding economic growth which has led to new challenges,
but has not benefited everyone in society equally. Significant
inequalities remain and many of the most vulnerable groups in society
have been left behind. Without addressing these inequalities,
especially as we transition into the post 2015 development agenda, we
risk undermining the impact of economic growth on poverty and on the
well-being of society as a whole.
“To be sustainable and beneficial for
all, social development must be ethical, moral and person-centred”,
he said. “We must be attentive to those indicators that give a
complete picture of the well-being of every individual in society
while promoting policies that encourage a truly integral approach to
the development of the human person as a whole”.
He continued, “It is not enough to
have gainful employment. Work must also be dignified and secure.
Investments in education, access to basic health-care services, and
the creation of social safety nets are primary, not secondary factors
to improving a person’s quality of life, and ensuring the equitable
distribution of wealth and resources in society. By placing the
human person at the centre of development and encouraging investments
and policies that meet real needs, the progress made towards
eradicating poverty remains permanent and society more resilient in
the face of potential crises”.
The archbishop reiterated that the
market economy does not exist to serve itself, but rather to serve
the common good of all of society, and therefore particular attention
must be given to the welfare of the most vulnerable. He added that
“the authentic integral development of the person and the
eradication of poverty are achievable only by focusing on the
tremendous value of the family to society”, and by adopting a
strategic approach towards the eradication of poverty, “based on
true social justice in order to help reduce the suffering of millions
of our brothers and sisters. … Social development policies must
address not only the economic and political needs, but also the
spiritual and ethical dimension of each human person”.
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