In today's General Audience, the Holy Father spoke about his new Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate.
The original Italian text of the Audience, with summaries in several languages, was posted by the Vatican Press Office's Daily Bulletin. Full English translations have been provided by Zenit and Benedetto XVI Forum. Vatican Information Service has a press release with quotations. Asia News has an article that highlights the Pope's request for prayer for the Heads of State and government leaders gathered for the G8 Summit.
The following is from his English language summary:
"Today I wish to reflect on my Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate. Some
forty years after Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Populorum Progressio, it
too addresses social themes vital to the well-being of humanity and reminds us
that authentic renewal of both individuals and society requires living by Christ’s
truth in love (cf. Eph 4:15) which stands at the heart of the Church’s
social teaching. The Encyclical does not aim to provide technical solutions to
today’s social problems but instead focuses on the principles indispensable
for human development. Most important among these is human life itself, the
centre of all true progress. Additionally, it speaks of the right to religious
freedom as a part of human development, it warns against unbounded hope in
technology alone, and it underlines the need for upright men and women –
attentive to the common good – in both politics and the business world. In
regard to matters of particular urgency affecting the word today, the Encyclical
addresses a wide range of issues and calls for decisive action to promote food
security and agricultural development, as well as respect for the environment
and for the rule of law. Stressed is the need for politicians, economists,
producers and consumers alike ensure that ethics shape economics so that profit
alone does not regulate the world of business. Dear friends: humanity is a
single family where every development programme – if it is to be integral –
must consider the spiritual growth of human persons and the driving force of
charity in truth. Let us pray for all those who serve in politics and the
management of economies, and in particular let us pray for the Heads of State
gathering in Italy for the G8 summit. May their decisions promote true
development especially for the world’s poor. Thank you."
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