Vatican City, May 26, 2018 / 03:24 am
Pope Francis Saturday criticized what he said is a "tragic" and false dichotomy that has been created between religious ethics and the economic-financial sector of society, telling business leaders that the two are not only compatible, but necessary for social advancement.
"All too often, a tragic and false dichotomy – analogous to the artificial rift between science and faith – has developed between the ethical teachings of our religious traditions and the practical concerns of today's business community," the pope said May 26.
However, there is "a natural circularity between profit and social responsibility," and there is an "indissoluble connection" between an ethics that respects both the human person and the common good, and the functionality of economic and financial systems, he said.
This ethical dimension of social and economic interaction "cannot be imported into social life and activity from without, but must arise from within," he said, adding that this is a long-term goal that requires the commitment of all persons and institutions in society.