Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Taiwan (Agenzia Fides) - The Fu-jen Catholic University of Taiwan has conferred an honorary degree in philosophy on Cardinal Renato R. Martino for his outstanding contribution to the elaboration of thought particularly in the field of ethics, especially the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church published by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in October 2004 of which he is president. Catholic Social Doctrine was the subject of the Cardinal’s dedicated his Lectio magistralis to the academic Senate and students of the prestigious University.
The Cardinal, who is president also of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, reaffirmed the Church’s duty-right at all times and everywhere to uphold moral principles, including those concerning social order and to express an opinion on every human reality as is demanded by the rights of the human person. The Cardinal said that when the Church addresses issues such as human promotion, affirms the rules for new co-existence in peace and justice, when she collaborates with all people of goodwill to build more human relations and institutions, she indicates the path to follow in this world in order to enter the Kingdom of God. In the present day context of globalisation, the Cardinal said, Catholic social doctrine appeals to the human family for a integral humanism of solidarity, in the pursuit of the common good and the meeting the needs of all.
With regard to the Compendium, the Cardinal underlined that the Church’s first contribution to the political community consists in preserving and promoting in consciences a sense of the transcendent dignity of every human person. In his Lectio the Cardinal did not fail to mention the essential role of Catholic Social Doctrine to promote peace founded on truth, freedom and justice. Sense of mutual respect for religious and cultural traditions, dialogue among religions, international cooperation, a culture of opening are fundamental dimensions for achieving peace. At stake is the ultimate sense of construction of human society and consequently of peace. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2007 - Righe 24; Parole 345)
