VATICAN - Benedict XVI tells leaders from the Italian CISL Trade Union: “In order to overcome the economic and social crisis we are currently experiencing...what is needed is to overcome individual and sectorial interests, and unite to confront the difficulties affecting all areas of society, and particularly the world of work.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “In order to overcome the economic and social crisis we are currently experiencing, we know that free and responsible efforts must be made by everyone. In other words what is needed is to overcome individual and sectorial interests, and unite to confront the difficulties affecting all areas of society, and particularly the world of work. Never before has this been so urgent as it is today; the difficulties afflicting the world of work call for closer and more effective collaboration among the many different components of society.” This was the exhortation made by the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the leaders of the Italian CISL Trade Union, whom he received in an audience on January 31, on the 60th anniversary of their foundation.
The Pope highlighted that “the great challenge and opportunity presented in the worrisome economic crisis going on invites us to learn how to find a new synthesis between the common good and the market, between capital and work,” and recalled how “in full respect for the legitimate autonomy of each institution, the Church, expert in humanity, never tires of offering the contribution of her teaching and experience to those who work to serve mankind, employment and progress, social justice and peace.”
The attention of the Church and the Popes given to social problems has increased in the last century, Benedict XVI observed, quoting the Encyclical “Rerum Novarum” of Pope Leo XIII, who at the dawn of the 20th century “strongly defended the inalienable dignity of workers.” Pope John Paul II honored the celebration of the 100th anniversary of “Rerum novarum” with the publishing of the Encyclical “Centesimus annus,” “in which he observes that the Church's Social Doctrine, especially in this historical time in history, sees how man is living amidst a complex network of relations that is typical of modern society...In his previous social encyclical, Laborem exercens, written in 1981, on human work, Pope John Paul II highlighted how the Church has never ceased to consider the problems of work within the social sphere which has gained progressively wider global dimensions...This important document also mentions the importance of the role of labor unions.”
Another element that is frequently mentioned in the magisterium of the Popes of the 20th century, Pope Benedict XVI said, “is the call to solidarity and responsibility,” and he expressed his hope “that from the current global crisis there may emerge a shared desire to create a new culture of solidarity and of responsible participation, which are indispensable conditions if we are to build the future of our planet together.” Concluding his address, the Pope affirmed that “the world needs people who dedicate themselves disinterestedly to the cause of work in full respect of human dignity and the common good. The Church, who appreciates the fundamental role of the unions, is near you today as in the past and is ready to assist you in better fulfilling your role in society.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 2/2/2009).