Pope praises WEF for globalism and 'building a better world'

Pope Francis sent a message to the participants of the World Economic Forum, expressing positive views on the process of globalisation.

The Pope said, "This year’s annual meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place in a very troubling climate of international instability."

He stated that the WEF’s aim is "to direct and strengthen political will and cooperation" and “to provide an important opportunity for multi-stakeholder engagement to explore innovative and effective ways to build a better world".

The Pope also expressed hope that the discussions at the Forum would take into account the urgent need to advance social cohesion, fraternity, and reconciliation among groups, communities, and states, to address the challenges they face.

He emphasized that the process of globalization, which has demonstrated the interdependence of countries and peoples, has a fundamental moral dimension. This should manifest in economic, cultural, political, and religious discussions aimed at determining the future of the international community.

"In a world increasingly threatened by violence, aggression and fragmentation, it is essential that states and businesses join in promoting far-sighted and ethically sound models of globalisation, which by their very nature must entail subordinating the pursuit of power and individual gain, be it political or economic, to the common good of our human family, giving priority to the poor, the needy and those in the most vulnerable situations," wrote the Pope.

He further stated, "Authentic development must be global, shared by all nations and in every part of the world, or it will regress even in areas marked hitherto by constant progress."

"At the same time, there is an evident need for international political action that, through the adoption of coordinated measures, can effectively pursue the goals of global peace and authentic development," the Pope declared.

The Pontiff believes that "the achievement of the common good is an objective beyond the reach of individual states, even those that are dominant in terms of power, wealth and political strength".

Earlier, the Holy See was criticized by an RCC bishop who claimed that the Vatican had become a servant of the new world order and globalisation.