Global – Cardinal Czerny: ‘We need a new humanistic economy’
Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, received the 2024 Klaus Hemmerle Award in Germany for his dedicated commitment to human dignity and rights. The award, presented every two years by the Focolare Movement, recognizes individuals as bridge builders who promote dialogue among churches, religions, and different worldviews. Established in 2004, the award honors theologian and Bishop Klaus Hemmerle, known for his commitment to dialogue.
Prior to the award ceremony at Aachen Cathedral, Cardinal Czerny presented the book "Wir sind alle Geschwister - das Zeichen der Zeit: Die Soziallehre von Papst Franziskus" ("We Are All Siblings - A Sign of the Times: The Social Teaching of Pope Francis") at an academic event focusing on the Church's social teaching.
In his presentation at the Kommende Dortmund Institute, Cardinal Czerny explored the Catholic concept of "integral human development," originating from Pope St. Paul VI's Social Encyclical "Popolorum Progressio" on the development of peoples. This vision challenges the prevailing development paradigm centered solely on economic growth. Instead, it emphasizes authentic development that nurtures both individual and collective growth.
Cardinal Czerny highlighted the belief that everyone contributes to society, emphasizing inclusivity and the interconnectedness of human development within a just and balanced society fostering solidarity and respect for human dignity. Pope Francis' social teaching builds upon this foundation, providing guidance on contemporary global issues.
In "Evangelii gaudium" (2013), Pope Francis critiques the globalization and profit-centric paradigm, advocating for a shift from an exclusively economic perspective to a holistic approach. "Laudato si'" (2015) rejects the "technocratic paradigm," emphasizing that the market alone cannot ensure human development and social inclusion. "Fratelli tutti" (2020) calls for replacing the "throwaway culture" with a "culture of encounter" based on friendship and fraternity to construct a just society.
Cardinal Czerny emphasized Pope Francis's invitation to reflect on the need for a paradigm shift, urging a transition from profit to prosperity, economic growth to sustainability, and materiality to human dignity. He called for a collective effort to shape a new logic that safeguards the environment and strengthens communities. The Cardinal concluded by asserting the Church's ongoing role in promoting integral development as the path humanity must follow for the common good.
Source: Vatican news
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