Holy See at UN: don’t confuse economic growth, human development

Citing Pope Benedict’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate, the Holy See’s chief representative at the United Nations urged members of a UN committee not to confuse economic growth with the higher goal of integral human development.

“Economic growth, whether it is driven by markets or driven by States, will not necessarily promote the kind of development that is worthy of humans,” said Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, apostolic nuncio to the United Nations. “Promoting economic development should not be at the expense of the poor and marginalized or of future generations, which is often qualified as ‘inter-generational engagement and justice.’”

“The well-being of all, and especially those who live with the pains of hunger and who are excluded from contributing to and benefiting from the economic, social and political life of their communities, requires that both markets and government policies be directed towards the higher goal of integral human development, grounded in the principle of the fundamental human dignity of each person,” he added. “With them, it is our solemn obligation to remain in solidarity. We all must work together to ensure that this is incorporated into the goal of sustainable development and the concept of the “green economy.”