"Even as division seems to grow, a common denominator that indisputably unites us all appears: our shared humanity," remarked Pope Leo today, offering this hopeful analysis to a group that is dedicated to spreading awareness of Catholic social doctrine.
Speaking to members of the Centesimus Annus Foundation, and noting how they are in Rome just after the release of his own social doctrine encyclical, the Pope noted the theme of their meetings: "A Fragmented World in Search of Spirituality: Freedom and Pluralism from Within the Social Doctrine of the Church."
Founded in 1991 by John Paul II, the pontifical foundation is an organization of business leaders and professionals dedicated to promoting the social teaching of the Church.
During his meeting with the group last year, the Pope delivered an important speech that can now be considered to have laid the first foundations of his encyclical Magnifica humanitas.
Acknowledging our era marked by wars and growing polarization, as well as cultural and social divisions, Pope Leo said that in this fragility, a new hope arises.
Indeed, it is precisely when faced with adverse circumstances that the human person is called to reconsider the fundamental questions that have gently prodded the heart of countless generations to more serious reflection: “Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” (Magnifica Humanitas 6).
Speaking of our gifts of reason and freedom as "the essential aspects of our humanity" and our tools to know and adhere to the good, he reflected on St. Augustine's two cities.
What we discover here are the two “cities” described by Saint Augustine that continue to characterize not only the human heart, but also the civilizations that we create. The City of Man, built on pride and love of oneself, is marked by selfish individualism. The City of God, built on love of God unto selflessness, and the cultivation of relationships, is what makes it truly possible to build a civilization of love.
This shows us that what is behind the crisis of democracy is an "anthropological crisis that stems from having largely forgotten about the Creator."
In this context, we can't despair, but must continue to "do our part," not in spectacular things but in "small and steadfast acts of fidelity."
Here, the Pope urged dialogue: "A dialogue grounded in truth that recognizes and values the shared humanity of every person. Indeed, bearing in mind the innate dignity of every individual allows selfishness and particular interests to be overcome in favor of the common good. This same dignity also provides the context in which we can speak of a healthy pluralism that recognizes the wealth of contributions that come from people of diverse backgrounds and which leads to peaceful coexistence."
