Friday, March 14, 2008

A Preview of the Pope's New Social Encyclical

The Pope's (his first "social" encyclical") "Caritas in veritate... Charity in truth" is about to come out. I am fully preparing for the WORST SECULAR NEWS COVERAGE WITH THE MOST MISLEADING HEADLINES.

Hopefully the Catholic Blogsphere will be on their toes and after actually READING IT be quick to respond to what surely will be over the top reporting. Father Z has a Italian news piece up and gives some bullet points from that article about the New Encyclical at Pope’s 3rd encyclical: Caritas in veritate

His Bullet points are:

The last social encyclical was Centesimus annus by John Paul II in 1991.
Since 1991 there have been many changes, including a speeding up of globalization.
The changes are not all positive.
Benedict will not spare the West from criticisms.
Benedict may take up John Paul II’s point that development must not be reduced simply to "economic growth" but must aim at the integral promotion of man in his completeness.
There may be especially harsh words about care for the environment and irresponsible use of resources.
There may be a call for greater austerity of life style.
The encyclical may come out after Easter, but recently Card. Bertone suggested perhaps this summer.
The delay might stem from the Italian political scene.
The first part might take up Populorum progressio and Centessimus annus. The second would analyze present conditions and issues and how the Church interacts with the world in their regard.
It may be around 70 pages, composed in 5 chapters.
It may have a connection with the Compendium of Social Doctrine, which must be updated after this encyclical is released.
The Pope is still working on the second volume of Jesus of Nazareth, which will come out after summer is over.

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