Vatican says lack of democracy, decline in morals add to corruption

Published: 2006-10-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A lack of democracy and government transparency and a decline in traditional morality contribute to the growing phenomenon of corruption around the world, said the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. While estimating the economic impact of corruption is difficult, it is clear that it "exists in rich countries and in poor countries," said the council's statement on "The Fight Against Corruption," released Oct. 10 at the Vatican. The statement, summarizing findings from a June seminar organized by the council, said corruption weakens people's faith in their governments, strengthens organized crime and cuts into the resources available for helping the poor. "If corruption causes serious harm from a material point of view and places a costly burden on economic growth, still more harmful are its effects on immaterial goods closely connected to the qualitative and human dimension of life in society," it said. Corruption violates citizens' rights to participate in their government and to have leaders held to the same standards of legality they are expected to follow, it said.

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