At the second international conference held by young economists and entrepreneurs, Pope Francis released a video message to once again encourage them to “find a new path to economic regeneration” after the nightmare of the new crown epidemic.
(Vatican News Network) The second international conference of “Francis’ Economy” was held in Assisi on the afternoon of October 2nd, and 40 cities around the world participated in a connected manner. Pope Francis took this opportunity to publish a video message to the young entrepreneurs and economists participating in the conference, encouraging them to “under the guidance of the love of the gospel” and put brotherhood at the center of the economy, and let people see that “there is a kind of Different economies”, it can be “more just, sustainable, solidarity and mutual assistance, that is, more universal.”
The pope first emphasized that the nightmare of the new crown epidemic not only “discloses to us the profound inequalities affecting our society, but also enlarges them.” The Pope mentioned that “unemployment, poverty, inequality and hunger have increased dramatically” and many people have been excluded from the essential health care system. In addition, we often forget that “there is a mutually responsible relationship between us and nature.”
The Pope reminded us that the earth existed before us. We enjoy the earth. “We are the managers of the property, not the masters.” However, the “sick economy” is born out of the “imagination of us as the masters of the created world, capable of doing Our interests and growth exploit creation.”
“The epidemic reminds us of this profound mutual connection; it reminds us that we must protect the wealth bestowed by creation to everyone; it reminds us that we have an obligation to manage and distribute these wealth so that no one is excluded. It also reminds us that we must be immersed in this In the common ocean, we must accept the need for a new kind of brotherhood.”
The Pope explained that this is a good time to realize once again that “we have a responsibility to others and the world“, because “the quality of the development of peoples and the land is first determined by public welfare.” Therefore, “in the era after the new crown epidemic, we must seek new ways to promote economic regeneration, and make the economy more just, sustainable, solidarity and mutual assistance, that is, more common.”
The Pope said: “We need a more circular process, production without wasting the resources of our land, selling and distributing goods in a fairer way, and a more responsible behavior and attitude in consumption.”
In addition, “a new and complete paradigm” is also needed to train new generations of economists and entrepreneurs so that they can “respect our interconnection with the earth.” The Pope admitted that this is exactly what the “Francis” and other youth organizations are currently doing. But we don’t have much time, “Today, our Mother Earth groans and warns us that we are approaching the threshold of danger.”
The Pope said to the young people, “You may be the last generation who can save us. I am not exaggerating.” It is necessary to use “your creativity and resilience” to “correct past mistakes and lead us to a new economy that is more united and assisted, more sustainable and inclusive.”
“However, the mission of this economy includes the regeneration of all our social systems, that is, instilling the values of brotherhood, solidarity, mutual assistance, caring for the earth and public welfare in all our structures, so that we can face the greatest challenge of our time, which is Hunger and malnutrition, as well as the challenge of equitable distribution of the new crown vaccine. We must work together and have lofty dreams.”
The Pope has given young economists and entrepreneurs a task, which is to “invest in the construction of a new era with innovation”, pay attention to the voice of the poor, and strive to integrate them into “the construction of our common future.” Because today there is a need for “a new generation of economists who live out the spirit of the gospel in the corporate world, schools, factories, banks, and markets.”
“You must follow the testimony of those new merchants. Jesus did not drive them out of the temple because you are friends of Jesus and allies of his kingdom.” The Pope finally encouraged them to bring the “prophecy and beauty” they can provide to the world, the church and other youth.
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