Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth
Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
"PRINCIPAL DRIVING FORCE"
Charity in truth, to which Jesus Christ bore witness by His earthly life and especially by His death and resurrection, is the principal driving force behind the authentic development of every person and of all humanity. (1)
"TRUE LIFE"
The search for love and truth is purified and liberated by Jesus Christ from the impoverishment that our humanity brings to it, and He reveals to us in all its fullness the initiative of love and the plan for true life that God has prepared for us. (1)
JESUS IS THE TRUTH
In Christ, charity in truth becomes the Face of His Person, a vocation to love our brothers and sisters in the truth of His plan. Indeed, He Himself is the Truth... (1)
"AT THE HEART"
Charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine. Every responsibility and every commitment spelt out by that doctrine is derived from charity which, according to the teachings of Jesus, is the synthesis of the entire law. (cf. Mt 22:36-40) (2)
TRUTH AND CHARITY
Truth needs to be sought, found, and expressed within the "economy" of charity, but charity in its turn needs to be understood, confirmed and practiced in the light of truth In this way, ...we do service to charity, enlightened by truth, but we also help give credibility to truth, demonstrating its persuasive and authenticating power in the practical setting of social living. (2)
"MEANING AND VALUE"
Only in truth does charity shine forth, only in truth can charity be authentically lived. Truth is the light that gives meaning and value to charity. (3)
LIBERATION POWER
Truth preserves and expresses charity's power to liberate in the ever-changing events of history. (5)
"A GREAT CHALLENGE"
Love in truth ... is a great challenge for the Church in a world that is becoming progressively and pervasively globalized. The risk for our time is that the de facto interdependence of people and nations is not matched by ethical interaction of consciences and minds that would give rise to truly human development. Only in charity, illumined by the light of reason and faith, is it possible to pursue development goals that possess of more humane and humanizing value. (9)
(Source: Encyclical Caritas in veritate, dated June 29, 2009)
