RIO DE JANEIRO, 24 (NE)

    The Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Cardinal Eugênio Sales, has recently issued a message about globalization, emphasizing the necessity to understand this phenomenon with the right hierarchy of values. As he explained, globalization is a phenomenon of a mainly economic character that nevertheless embraces many other dimensions of men’s lives, such as communications, new technologies and customs. "The extraordinary changes occurring on the Earth and, as it seems, in an irreversible manner, must lead us to evaluate the factors that may prevent the evils that come out of this revolution. This is done through conversion to the importance of moral criteria and not through indiscriminate combat against these new ways. Only this way can progress… change into admirable strength in favor of humanity."

    Cardinal Sales pointed out as well that various situations of crisis “frequent in times of globalization lacking the control of moral principles, have led many recognized economists to the defense of what the Church also predicates: an ethical role for the global financial system” that “cannot be considered an aim itself,” he went on to say, “but should be at men's service."

    He finished by explaining that the matter "is not out of the Shepherd's jurisdiction. It is a part of the Church's Social Doctrine because it affects men, the well being of society and the exercise of virtues. The Christian's right attitude,” he concluded, “is to fight for the inclusion of ethical values in the structures of these courses of the economy. To act like this is more intelligent and also efficient for the promotion of Social Justice."

We encourage you to check the Catholic World News site at the CWN home page and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and the Dossiers, features and Daily Dispatches from ZENIT International News Agency CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC, but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.