Benedict XVI received at the Vatican priests and seminarians from his Diocese of Rome. The informal dialogue with the Pope quickly turned into questions about the financial crisis.

Benedict XVI

To denounce these fundamental errors shown by the fall of major American banks, one must understand that the errors lie deep in human greed as a sin. 
 
Benedict XVI also spoke about his awaited third encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” on the Church’s social doctrine. The Pope said it is difficult to complete because of the social changes the economic crisis is bringing. 

Benedict XVI
We have been for some time preparing an encyclical on these topics and in the long run it has been hard to speak with expertise, because if these issues dealing with the economy are not said with expertise the document will not be credible.

The meeting turned to a lighter tone when one of the priests recited a poem of the Pope in traditional roman dialect.

(poem)

Benedict XVI
Poetry is deeply rooted in the roman heart. This is a natural gift the Lord has given the Romans and a gift of natural charisma that precedes the Church.

This round table between the Pope and the priests of his Diocese of Rome is a tradition that is held each year during the first days of Lent.

OS