Pope Consumerism Pope Benedict XVI Research Paper

So denotes the Pope in his 2009 remarks, which do not call for an end to globalization and its implications. Indeed, as his remarks demonstrate a clear and studied understanding of the patterns of globalization, so too do these represent a realistic evaluation of how best to address its inequalities. It is here that the Pope calls for a recasting of the approach taken to global trade liberalization. Here, the Pope indicates, "there is no reason to deny that a certain amount of capital can do good, if invested abroad rather than at home. Yet the requirements of justice must be safeguarded, with due consideration for the way in which the capital was generated and the harm to individuals that will result if it is not used where it was produced." (Pope Benedict XVI, 40)

This is to suggest that proper regulation of private enterprising and global oversight f the abuses of corporate acts in developing nations could go a long way to disconnecting the social ills that today are inextricably linked to mass consumerism.Simultaneously though, the Pope seems to connect to the argument that an essentially more spiritual approach to one's life will diminish this fundamental vulnerability to the excesses of the consumer culture. At the center of his remarks is the Pope's aggressive condemnation of the 'distortion' of values that seems to accompany material excess. Where we are placed on this earth to extend good will to others, to ease the burden of suffering when we see our fellow man afflicted thusly or to work to better ourselves, the emphasis on the power to buy has overshadowed the power we have to do all these things. The Pope calls for a restoration of that power.

Works Cited:

CathNews (CN). (2007). Pope Says Christmas Consumerism Exploits Children. Cathnews.com.

Catholic News Agency (CNA). (2007). Children in Consumerist Societies 'Risk Losing Hope,' Says Pope Benedict. Catholigcnewsagency.com.

Malkin, B. (2008). Pope Benedict XVI urges pilgrims to reject 'false idols' of consumerism. Telegraph.co.uk.

Pope Benedict XVI (2009). Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate of the Supreme Pontiff. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.….....