Over at the Newsweek’s “On Faith” website Thomas J. Reese S.J. lets us know what we can expect from Pope Benedict’s forthcoming encyclical, “Charity in Truth.”
Although we have to wait for the actual text of the encyclical, there are a number of points that are already evident from what Benedict has said and written on the economy:
• Continuity of Benedict’s thought with the teaching of earlier popes will be evident. Rather than rejecting the progressive social teachings of his predecessors, Benedict will show himself to be the left of most Americans including President Obama.
• The Theology underpinning Catholic social teaching will be an important part of the encyclical. Economic policy is not measured by dollars and cents but by whether it enhances the dignity of the human person and reflects God’s commandment of love. Love is the measure of justice.
• Being a voice for the Third World is seen by Benedict as an essential part of his ministry. As he has already said, “We cannot remain passive before certain processes of globalization which not infrequently increase the gap between rich and poor worldwide. We must denounce those who squander the earth’s riches, provoking inequalities that cry out to heaven.”
• Skepticism toward capitalism and the market will permeate the encyclical. Absolute faith in the market is seen by Benedict as a form of idolatry. The need for government regulation of the economy is a given.
• The Common Good and impact on the poor are the yardsticks by which the economy should be measured.
The pope will also have very negative things to say about war. As he has said before, “Violence, of whatever sort, cannot be a way of resolving conflicts. It mortgages the future severely and does not respect either persons or peoples.” Like John Paul, he opposed both wars in Iraq. He also wants to see swords turned into plowshares. “[L]ess than half of the immense sums spent worldwide on armaments would be more than sufficient to liberate the immense masses of the poor from destitution. This challenges humanity’s conscience.” He will also have very positive things to say about the United Nations and multilateralism even if it means limits on national sovereignty.
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