December 31, 2009. The awaited encyclical “Charity in Truth” was published on July 7 after two and a half years of work. In it the pope touches on themes like globalization, the environment and the economy.




Benedict XVI proposed a new economic system based on ethics that keeps human beings in mind.

Stefano Zamagni
Economist, University of Bologna (Italia)
"The encyclical sees Capitalism in its historic dimension and suggests going beyond it. It highlights the intrinsic limits of Capitalism, whose goal is to obtain the greatest possible benefit, and suggests that all society have this goal too.

Card. Renato Martino
President, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
The whole encyclical talks about ethics. Not only ethics in finances but in all actions by those responsible, because the world cannot be governed without moral principles.

The pope warned about the dangers of mere sentimental solidarity that hinders the progress of underdeveloped societies and said that societies cannot move forward if there is no respect for life.

Three days after its release, the pope received President Barack Obama and his wife in the Vatican, who was in Italy for the G8 summit.

President Obama
"It’s a great honor. Thank you so much.”

During the meeting, Obama said he would work to reduce the number of abortions in the U.S. They also talked about peace in the Middle East and aid to Africa and Latin America.

On July 13, the pope left for Les Combes in northern Italy on a two week vacation. Shortly after arriving he fell and broke his wrist and underwent surgery to treat the fracture. After it was all over he didn’t lose his sense of humor.

Benedict XVI
“Unfortunately, my guardian angel didn’t stop my fall, and surely did so following orders from above. Perhaps the Lord wanted to teach me to be more patient and humble, and give me more time for prayer and meditation. It was not a coincidence."

The accident didn’t stop him from working on his next book. At the end of the month he left for Caste Gandolfo to continue his work, far from the heat of Rome.

PVB/RS
WP