Thursday, Dec 19 2024 Donate
A service of EWTN News

Pope reminds businesses of responsibility to help poor, vulnerable

Pope Francis leads the Bishops of Italy in a solemn Profession of Faith in St. Peter's Basilica for their 65th General Assembly May 23, 2013. / Stephen Drsicoll/CNA.

Business leaders have an obligation to use their gifts to help the poor and vulnerable, working to promote equality and human dignity, said Pope Francis in a recent letter.

"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," the Pope said.

"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," he continued, "but they seek both to affirm and to challenge the ability of this assembly to make a difference."

The Pope's words came in a letter to Prof. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, days before the group's late January meeting in Switzerland.

Modern business activity, Pope Francis said, has had a "fundamental role" in improving human welfare "by stimulating and developing the immense resources of human intelligence."

But while economic success has helped to reduce poverty "for a great number of people," he observed, it has "led to a widespread social exclusion" for others.

The majority of people on Earth, he said, "still continue to experience daily insecurity," facing "intolerable" situations such as extreme hunger and lack of shelter.

The Holy Father lamented that human dignity and the common good seem to be "little more than an afterthought" in many political and economic decisions. He challenged members of the World Economic Forum to place the innovative skills of the business world "at the service of those who are still living in dire poverty."

While the expansion of equality "presupposes" economic growth, the Pope said, it also "demands something more" – a transcendent view of the human person and proper understanding of human dignity.

"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," he said.

The growth of equality 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," he elaborated.

Pope Francis called for a "profound and broadened sense of responsibility" on behalf of all. He encouraged business leaders to see their work as a vocation and understand their duty towards the common good.

"Without ignoring, naturally, the specific scientific and professional requirements of every context," he concluded, "I ask you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it."

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.

As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Click here

Our mission is the truth. Join us!

Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.

Donate to CNA