During an audience with members of the Italian Theological Association, Pope Francis said: “There is a need for a theology that helps all Christians to announce and to demonstrate, above all, the saving face of God, the merciful God, especially in the presence of some unprecedented challenges that involve humanity today: such as the ecological crisis; the development of neurosciences and techniques that may modify man; growing social inequalities or the migrations of entire peoples; both theoretical and practical relativism. And there is a need, therefore, for a theology that, as in the best tradition of the Italian Theological Association, is made up of Christians who do not think and speak only among themselves, but who know how to be of service to the different Churches and to the Church; and who also take on the task of rethinking the Church in order that she conforms to the Gospel she must announce.”
Globalisation has failed the poor
L’Osservatore Romano deputy editor Giuseppe Fiorentino has penned an opinion piece criticising globalisation. In it he said the promise that globalisation would raise the standard of living in poor nations has not happened, as the divide between the rich and the poor is widening.
Fiorentino referred to the situation in Brazil where wages have failed to keep pace with a cost of living that now rivals that of Europe. Globalisation has also brought the “impoverishment of the producer classes in nations of an industrial tradition,” where numerous factories have closed, he said, adding that multinational corporations and the world’s wealthiest people have been globalisation’s beneficiaries.
Refugees: not empty-handed
In his World Day of Peace 2018 message, Pope Francis said: “When we turn that gaze to migrants and refugees, we discover that they do not arrive empty-handed. They bring courage, skills, energy and aspirations, as well as the treasures of their own cultures; and in this way, they enrich the lives of the nations that receive them.
“We also see the creativity, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice of the individuals, families and communities who open their doors and hearts to migrants and refugees, even where resources are scarce.
“A contemplative gaze should also guide the discernment of those responsible for the public good, and encourage them to pursue policies of welcome, ‘within the limits allowed by a correct understanding of the common good’ – bearing in mind the needs and welfare of all members of the human family.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)