Lack of jobs an attack on human dignity, says Peruvian Cardinal

Lima, Peru, Nov 15, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, Archbishop of Lima, said this week “the lack of work is not an economic or political problem, it is a moral one” because the absence of work is an attack on human dignity.

The Cardinal reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to help those who are unemployed, and he underscored that “work is a place of encounter with God,” where man develops his virtues and can earn his daily living.

Cardinal Cipriani emphasized that the Church does not support violence or unrest, but rather the “awakening of consciences” regarding the necessity of initiatives that allow more people to enjoy this right.

He went on to say that the world does not address the problem of unemployment not because it can’t but because “it doesn’t want to.”  The lack of solidarity is manifested in the fact that “some earn a lot while others have little.”   The Cardinal called on those with more economic resources to invest in the creation of new jobs.   

Although acknowledged that “not everyone will have the same amount” because “that Marxist dream is false,” he also said, “We cannot say, this is mine and nobody can touch it.”  People who are blessed with intelligence, a large inheritance or who run a company “have the obligation to invest, create jobs and help those who have nothing,” he added.