VATICAN - Problems and prospects for human development today, 40 years since Populorum progressio: to be discussed by Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the 2nd world Congress of ecclesial bodies in the sector

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Development is another name for peace”. 40 years have passed since this famous phrase by Pope Paul VI in the encyclical Populorum Progressio on the integral development of the individual and peoples as a condition and a fruit of peace in the world. Humanity has made enormous progress in these years, also with the advent of globalisation, but the scandalous gap between the riches of a few and the poverty of many, far from being closed, has developed beyond all measure. Billions of dollars are still used to build military arsenals, with the intensification of conflicts, old and new, since the tragic dawn of the third millennium.
In-depth reflection on what has become reality and what has been dramatically disregarded of the prophetic indications contained in Populorum Progressio, will be undertaken by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace during its plenary assembly 20 and 21 November in the Vatican, and immediately afterwards by the 2nd World Congress of ecclesial bodies involved in promoting justice and peace in the world 22 - 24 November in Rome.
Members and consultors of the Council will reflect on the topicality of the papal document especially with regard to the moral dimension of development, new forms of poverty and globalisation, conflict and disarmament, protection and promotion of human rights. The 2nd World Congress of ecclesial bodies involved in promoting justice and peace in the world will bring together over 300 delegates from 80 different countries all over the world to reflect on the theme: “The 40th anniversary of Populorum Progressio: "development of the whole person, development of all peoples” and discuss new world scenes created since the historic document and present day challenges in the light of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, especially challenges of human ecology, pluralism and intercultural dialogue, new governance in the ambit of globalisation and special attention and reflection on the pastoral efforts of the Church to promote integral development and development in solidarity today in the world. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 8/11/2007; Righe 24; Parole 331)