Technological 'absolutism’ could lead to ‘dark scenarios,’ Pope Benedict warns

Vatican City, Jul 12, 2009 / 07:50 am

Before Sunday’s Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI reiterated the views expressed in his recently published social encyclical Caritas In Veritate. He reaffirmed the need for a global commitment to development and warned of “dark scenarios” for the world if an absolutist view of technology persists.

The Pope recalled the importance of the just concluded G8 summit, but above all he stressed that "there are social inequalities and structural inequities in the world that are no longer tolerable, which require, in addition to immediate action, a coordinated strategy to find durable solutions." The Church, he said, "has no technical solutions to offer, but, as an expert in humanity, it offers everyone the teaching of Sacred Scripture on truth and proclaims the Gospel of love and justice."

"A new economic plan is required that redesigns development in a holistic way, building on the foundation of ethical responsibility before God and man as a creature of God." Quoting his recently published encyclical, the Pontiff said: "In an increasingly globalized society, the common good and the effort to obtain it cannot fail to assume the dimensions of the whole human family.”

The social question has become an "anthropological” issue, which implies a way of conceiving man in truth, body and soul. Solutions to current problems of humanity cannot only be technical, but must take into account all the needs of the person, who has a soul and body.

"The absolutism of technology, which finds its clearest expression in certain practices contrary to life could draw dark scenarios for the future of humanity."

"Acts that do not respect the true dignity of the person,” the Holy Father said, “even when they seem motivated by a choice of love, in reality are the result of a material and mechanistic conception of human life, which reduces love without truth to an empty shell to fill arbitrarily and can thus result in adverse effects in integral human development."

"Despite the complexity of the current situation in the world,” the Pope concluded, “the Church looks to the future with hope and reminds Christians that the proclamation of Christ is the first and main factor of development."

After the Marian prayer, Benedict XVI expressed his "deep concern” about events in Honduras.

"I would to invite you to pray for that country so dear to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Suyapa,” he said. “May the leaders of the nation and all its inhabitants patiently walk the path of dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation. This is possible if, setting aside personal interests, everyone strives to seek the truth and to tenaciously pursue the common good: this is the condition for ensuring peaceful coexistence and genuine democratic life! To the Honduran people I assure my prayers and impart a special Apostolic Blessing."

Tomorrow, the Pontiff moves to Les Combes in the Valle d'Aosta for a period of rest.

"I invite everyone,” he added, “to accompany me with prayer. Prayer knows no distance and separation: wherever we are, it makes us one heart and one mind."