Pope Francis To World Economic Forum: Ensure Humanity Is Served By Wealth, Not Ruled By It

“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,” Francis stresses in his message.

“I ask you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it.”

“The growth of equality demands … 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,” the Pope goes on to say.

These are some of the key points Francis makes in his message to the World Economic Forum (read by Cardinal Turkson) which runs from 22 to 25 January in Davos, Switzerland.

Francis reflects on the changes and significant progress made in our time, launching an appeal which is presented as a challenge: “those who have demonstrated their aptitude for being innovative and for improving the lives of many people by their ingenuity and professional expertise can further contribute by putting their skills at the service of those who are still living in dire poverty.”

According to the Pope, only through an “openness to the transcendent” can a “new political and business mentality … take shape, one capable of guiding all economic and financial activity within the horizon of an ethical approach which is truly humane.”

Pope Francis quotes what he wrote in the Evangelii Gaudium: “Business is - in fact - a vocation, and a noble vocation, provided that those engaged in it see themselves challenged by a greater meaning in life” (Evangelii Gaudium, 203).

He concludes his message by addressing all businessmen out there: “I ask you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it.”

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