Scottish Catholic Observer

In his message for the World Day of Peace on January 1 2013, Pope Benedict XVI has called for a new economic model and ethical regulations for markets, saying the global financial crisis was proof that capitalism does not protect the weakest members of society.

The annual message, which traditionally centres on how to promote peace, is sent to heads of state, government and institutions such as the United Nations and non-governmental organisations, is this year on the theme ‘blessed are the peace makers.’

In it the pope said economic models that seek maximum profit and consumption and encourage competition at all costs had failed to look after the basic needs of many and could sow social unrest.

“It is alarming to see hotbeds of tension and conflict caused by growing instances of inequality between rich and poor, by the prevalence of a selfish and individualistic mindset which also finds expression in an unregulated financial capitalism,” he said.

The pope said people, groups and institutions were needed to foster human creativity, to draw lessons from the crisis and to create a new economic model.

He also strongly reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to same-sex ‘marriage,’ saying heterosexual marriage had an indispensable role in society, and promoted life.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, presented the message at the Vatican today and said it was one rooted in the reality of the world.

“The Pope’s message is very closely linked to reality,” the cardinal said. “It states a fact—the existence, in the midst of conflicts, tension and violence, of numerous peacemakers; in the explanation of the Gospel beatitude it explains that this is a promise that is guaranteed, in that it is made by God and does not refer merely to the future but already finds fulfilment in this life.

“It clearly indicates the duties of peacemakers: they must promote life in its fullest expression, in its entirety and therefore in all the dimensions of the human person, and draws attention to urgent problems issues such as the correct vision of marriage, the right to conscientious objection, religious freedom, the issues of work and unemployment, the food crisis, the financial crisis, and the role of the family in education.”

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