Centesimus Annus

The encyclical Centesimus Annus ( The hundredth year) is published on May 1, 1991 papal encyclical of John Paul II 100 years after the encyclical Rerum Novarum to the end of communist forms of government in Europe.

Content

Two years after the collapse of the totalitarian planned economic systems in Central and Eastern Europe, it justified the change of course of Catholic social teaching in the recognition of a free and socially orderly market economy: " Both at the national level of individual nations as well as on that of international relations, the free market to be the most effective tool for the use of resources and for the best satisfaction of the needs. " private property is seen as an important right of the individual so that the individual does not " completely dependent on the social mechanisms and of those who control it " is.

The relationship between state and economy is described in terms of the ordo-liberalism: " Economic activity, especially the market economy, can not be conducted in an institutional, juridical or political vacuum chamber, on the contrary, it is the security of individual freedom and private property rights and a stable currency and efficient public services ahead. Main task of the state is therefore to guarantee this security, so that those who work and produce can enjoy the fruits of the labors and thus feel inspired to accomplish his work efficiently and honestly. "

The papal position on socialist tendencies of social policy is restrictive: " The welfare state, which engages directly and depriving society of its responsibility, triggers the loss of human energy and the ballooning of the state apparatuses ahead, which are dominated more by bureaucratic logic than by the effort to to assist the beneficiaries; Hand in hand with this goes an enormous increase in spending. "And" The historical experience of socialist countries has shown in a sad way that collectivism alienation is not eliminated, but still increases because added the lack of basic necessities and economic failure. ".

It must not be forgotten that the Pope at the same time exerts sharp critique of capitalism and against the " idolatry of the market" warns. The assertion that the defeat of the so-called real socialism let capitalism as the only model of economic organization left was " untenable ". There was " the risk that a radical capitalistic ideology wide power that leaves their solution in a blind faith the free development of market forces. " There were limits to the market, " important human needs which escape its logic, goods which on may be due to their nature and may not be sold and bought. "

Private ownership of the means of production was " justified if it serves useful work ". It will, however, be unlawful if it serves to make a profit, the obligations of the illegal exploitation of speculation and of the breaking of solidarity in the world of work. Such a property possessed no justification.

The obligation to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow, the same Besage a right. A society in which it does not allow the economic policies the workers to achieve a satisfactory employment situation could gain neither their moral justification nor a just social peace.

The State can not be limited only to a part of the nationals - namely the wealthy and favored by fate - to provide to neglect but to others, which is undoubtedly the vast majority of society.

Structure

Blessing
Introduction
Chapter I - traits of " Rerum Novarum "
Chapter II - On the way to the "New " from Today
III. Chapter - The year 1989
Chapter IV - The private property and the universal destination of goods
Chapter V - State and Culture
VI. Chapter - Man is the way of the Church

Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice ( CAPP )

Pope John Paul II, the Papal Foundation " Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice ( CAPP ) " built with the Chirograph of 5 June 1983, promulgated on 1 May 1991. He was supported by a group of 65 Catholic personalities, especially from the Union of Catholic businessmen in Italy ( UCID ), with an initial capital of just under two million euros. Initially, the Foundation was led by Cardinal Rosalio José Castillo Lara, from 2006, Cardinal Attilio Nicora and since 2011 Domenico Calcagno Cardinal. Appointed counsel from 2002 was Lorenzo Rossi di Montelera, from 2009 Domingo Sugranyes Bickel; Secretary-General since 2002, Massimo Gattamelata.

The aim of the Papal Foundation " Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice " is to make the Catholic social doctrine better known, in particular the encyclical " Centesimus Annus ". Therefore, it interacts with other religious organizations. The CAPP promotes initiatives to develop the presence and work of the Catholic Church in the various sectors of society, including in Germany. The Foundation further promotes the donation money search in direct support of the activities of the Apostolic See.

For the 20th anniversary, Pope Francis on May 25, 2013 Address to the members of the Foundation and underlined the importance of Catholic social teaching.

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