Pope tells Italian bankers to help people, not just maximize profits

Published: 2004-09-17

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Ethical economic growth and development stem from aiding communities, not from just maximizing profits, Pope John Paul II told a group of Italian bankers. "It's necessary to always refer to the higher values of human life if one wants to contribute to true growth and the full development of the community," he said Sept. 17 in an address to 25 executives from the Capitalia banking group. "The numerous ethical implications" in the "complex world of credit" necessitate a reflection by the church, he said. "It would be decidedly inadequate to limit oneself only to the pursuit of maximum profit," he said. Christian morality must be seen as the greatest impetus for guaranteeing fruitful economic relationships that are "lawful and efficacious," he said.

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