Text of Pope Benedict's remarks to the opening Synod session

October 12, 2010

At the October 11 opening session of the Synod on the Middle East, Pope Benedict XVI spoke at some length without a text. Sandro Magister of L'Espresso has provided a full English-language translation of the Pope's remarks.

One caution: the translation includes an awkward phrasing of one key point in the Pope's talk. In a reference to economic affairs the Holy Father denounced the approach in which the accumulation of capital is given preference over human needs. The translation in L'Espresso muddles this passage, speaking of "anonymous capitals that enslave man." In context the Pontiff is clearly not saying that the capital itself is anonymous-- a meaningless phrase in any case-- but that those who manipulate capital may be heedless of how their activities affect individuals.

 

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Further information:

• "It is the faith of the simple that knocks down false gods" (L'Espresso)