Quotes and news

Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, has told reporters that Caritas in Veritate (Love in Truth), Pope Benedict XVI's long-awaited social encyclical, will be released on June 29, feast of St Peter and Paul. It is expected to provide a critique of the global economic system and a call for solidarity with the poor.

The papal encyclical has been expected for many months. It was once thought that its publication could be timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Populorum Progressio (The Development of Peoples) Pope Paul VI's landmark social encyclical that was released in March 1967. However, the publication date of the new encyclical has been repeatedly pushed back. In a February meeting with priests of the Rome diocese, the Pope explained that the worldwide economic crisis had prompted a new review of the text, because "moralising will not help if it is not supported by an understanding of reality, which also will help us understand what can be done concretely to change the situation."

Greed: root of economic crisis

"Like St Paul, Ambrose sees greed as the root of all evil. I offer this reflection, which, in light of this global economic crisis, is revealed in all its relevance. We see that from this very root of greed this crisis is born.

"Ambrose foresaw the objection that the rich and powerful would raise, saying: but we are not monks, these ascetic standards don't apply to us. And he answers: 'It is true what you say, but also for you, in your own way and to the best of your ability, the hard and narrow way applies to you, because the Lord has proposed only two doors and two ways - the narrow gate and the wide, the hard and comfortable; he did not indicate a third door or a third way'"

Pope Benedict commenting on Ambrose Autpert an 8th century abbot.

Kenyan bishops criticise leaders

Kenya's Catholic bishops have strongly criticised their country's political leaders and publicly accused them of pursuing their own interests instead of serving the needs of the people.

"Goods and wealth which rightfully belong to the people are being arrogantly misappropriated," members of Kenya's episcopal conference said. Manipulation along tribal lines is dividing rather than bringing people together. Human rights are being violated and religion is being used to justify the lust for power, said the bishops.

"There is a feeling that one can get away with anything if money is available," they said.

Bolivian bishops under attack

Pope Benedict XVI has written to the Bolivian government following the April 15 bombing attack on the home of Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval.

Cardinal Terrazas is president of the country's episcopal conference, which has frequently been at odds with President Evo Morales, and Bolivian bishops have received threats from government supporters.

The Pope's message, conveyed to the Bolivian government by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, decried violent acts "committed with the sole intention of harming, damaging or intimidating others".

Bolivian officials have not yet established responsibility for the bombing - which took place while the cardinal was away from home, and caused no injuries.

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)