Parolin: people at centre of integral ecology and human economy
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Cardinal Parolin situated the theme for this year鈥檚 Centesimus Annus conference within the context of Pope Francis鈥檚 appeal during the extraordinary moment of prayer on 27 March. 鈥淭he Milestones of an Integral Ecology for a Human Economy鈥, he said, is a response to the Pope鈥檚 request on that occasion 鈥渢o reset the course of our boat towards the Lord and towards others, by cooperating and building, recommitting ourselves and rediscovering our common belonging as brothers and sisters.鈥
Both integral ecology and human economy, Cardinal Parolin continued, are important concepts needed to change humanity鈥檚 course.
Integral ecology
When ecology is integral, it remains true to the two Greek words "oikos" and "logos". Ecology is, therefore, a study or reflection on our common home. When viewed within the perspective of a polyhedron, the Cardinal said, integral ecology 鈥渃an lead us to adopt a new vision of the world and to analyze the issues and challenges confronting humanity today.鈥 The center of this new vision is the human person. This presupposes a 鈥渃ulture of care鈥 rather than a 鈥渢hrowaway culture鈥.
Putting the person at the center acknowledges each individual鈥檚 right to 鈥減ersonal development (鈥) and the growth of a sense of solidarity within society at large and with generations yet to come.鈥 To arrive there, 鈥渆ducation in an integral ecology鈥 is necessary because it involves 鈥渁n authentic conversion leading to a change of mentality and outlook.鈥
Human economy
Similarly, examining the meaning of the word from its Greek roots, "oikos" and "nomos", Cardinal Parolin noted it means 鈥渓aws or rules for the home鈥. Human economy, too, must be focused on the human person within a culture of care, he said. Therefore, a human economical system must 鈥渋mprove 鈥 not destroy 鈥 our world.鈥 The 鈥渇undamental importance of work is an element essential to a dignified human existence鈥, he said. Furthermore, everyone needs to have the possibility 鈥渢o nurture the seeds that God has planted鈥 in them.
The world of politics and business need to contribute their part to ensure that everyone鈥檚 gifts can be contributed in a society in which gainful employment is assured. In a global economy, international relations enter into the dynamic, calling both new ethics and new dynamics 鈥渁imed at strengthening multilateralism and cooperation between states鈥.
Thus, human economy, too when its vision is polyhedral puts the human person at the center, through a culture of care, and demands education, Cardinal Parolin stated. 鈥淚t will be committed to the enhancement of the universal common good and to intra- and intergenerational solidarity.鈥
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here
