“The current crisis is not only economic, but has been caused by a deficit of moral values and by practical behaviours that are contrary to the law of God and, thus, contrary to man; behaviours that undermine justice and have negative impact on the material and spiritual development of society”, said today in Rome Card. Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, reflecting on the encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” in the presence of the executive board of Confindustria, the main organisation representing Italian manufacturing companies.
The cardinal said the encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” appreciates “business efforts aimed at creating development and progress, for in it industry, which creates well-being for all, is seen as a good in itself, in line with the vocation of man. An industry, however, is not an end but a means, and its activity remains a means, including the legitimate profit, and it is the sense given by the entrepreneur to this activity that makes it an instrument of integral human progress”. The cardinal spoke of “guiding values” for the entrepreneurs saying that “doing business is a mission that is potentially extremely high; it is an instrument for the well-being of man, who is more than just matter, and therefore great attention should also be paid to his spiritual needs”.