Pope: ‘Investing in weapons to kill is madness’
Vatican news
Meeting with a delegation from the Catholic Foundation of Verona, Pope Francis reaffirms the moral obligation based on the social doctrine of the Church to use financial resources in the service of the common good and condemns investments in the arms industry .
By Lisa Zengarini
Pope Francis forcefully reaffirmed Saturday the ethical responsibility of using financial resources for the good of humanity.
Speaking to a delegation from the Catholic Foundation of Verona, a division of the insurance company Generali Italia, the Pope stressed the need to direct wealth towards initiatives that support the most vulnerable and align with doctrine social of the Church.
He likened this approach to the “madness” of investing in industries, like weapons manufacturing, that profit from destruction and death.
Stewardship or ownership of our common home
The Pope reminded the delegation, whose Foundation supports non-profit organizations and social enterprises for the benefit of local communities, that humanity’s role on Earth is one of “management” and not “ownership.” .
He emphasized the shared responsibility of caring for our common home, invoking the etymological meaning of the word “economy” as the wise management of the home (oikos in Greek). This management, he argued, should reflect respect and wisdom in safeguarding the environment and society.
In his speech, Pope Francis recognized the solidarity commitment of the Catholic Foundation, particularly welcoming its work in favor of families and young people in collaboration with the Diocese of Verona.
He presented this work as a testimony to their Catholic identity, encouraging them to persevere in their mission of service to others, especially the most vulnerable.
The “madness” of arms spending
Pope Francis then focused his reflection on the moral use of financial resources. He again lamented the worrying global trend of prioritizing investment in weapons manufacturing, calling it “madness” to channel money into industries designed to kill.
Instead, the Pope called for wealth to be used in ways that enhance human dignity and serve the common good. He warned that when wealth is hoarded or invested against the good of people, it “grows old and weighs down the heart, making it hard and deaf to the cries of the poor,” “the first victims of selfishness.”
Conversely, putting financial resources at the service of human dignity strengthens social bonds and builds a fairer society.
Building a future anchored in justice
In conclusion, Pope Francis called on the members of the Foundation to continually renew their trust in the Providence of God, who lovingly “guides history and calls us to build a future rooted in justice,” and encouraged them to continue their good work, which sows the future, happiness. , and peace.
Vatican news
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