The Crucial Role of Catholic Social Doctrine in Global Governance: Insights from the Vatican Secretary of State
At the recent Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation conference, the Vatican Secretary of State emphasized the importance of Catholic Social Doctrine in addressing the pressing issues of global governance and polarisation in today’s world.
In his address, Cardinal Pietro Parolin called for moral clarity and unified action in the face of increasing global division. He highlighted the role of Catholic Social Doctrine in providing a framework to strengthen global governance and heal deepening polarisations.
Under the theme of “Catholic Social Thought: Strengthening Global Governance and Overcoming Polarizations,” Cardinal Parolin emphasized the Church’s social teaching as a vital tool for fostering justice, dialogue, and unity in a fractured world.
Describing Catholic Social Thought as a dynamic tradition grounded in the Gospel, Church teaching, and human reason, the Cardinal pointed to its core principles of human dignity, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and care for creation as a universal moral compass for addressing contemporary crises.
Rethinking Global Governance
Cardinal Parolin discussed the crisis of legitimacy in current global governance structures, noting the need to balance human dignity, the common good, and subsidiarity with solidarity to empower local communities while fostering global cooperation.
He emphasized the importance of human dignity in challenging systems that dehumanize individuals and advocated for policies that prioritize the vulnerable over profit or power. The common good, he argued, calls for cooperation over competition, with debt relief seen as a shared investment in global stability.
Balancing subsidiarity and solidarity, according to Cardinal Parolin, would create governance structures that are neither authoritarian nor fragmented, ensuring that no nation is left behind.
Healing through Dialogue and Encounter
Addressing the theme of polarisation, Cardinal Parolin highlighted the importance of pursuing truth through dialogue and fostering a culture of encounter where listening and humility guide discussions. Solidarity, he noted, can serve as a bridge across global divides, while care for creation must become a universal concern as environmental crises impact all nations.
Climate change, Cardinal Parolin pointed out, transcends borders and presents an opportunity for collaboration and unity in caring for our shared home.
Building a Civilization of Love
In conclusion, Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Catholic Social Doctrine in guiding efforts to renew political and economic systems. He emphasized the importance of building a civilization of love through truth, solidarity, and shared purpose, urging participants to seek unity through dialogue and encounter.
As we work towards a more just and peaceful world, let us remember that unity does not require uniformity, and justice is rooted in peace rather than vengeance.
