Sem. John Lou F.

Quinicot
Sem. Anthony Jay Tabon
ENCYCLICAL LETTER
CARITAS IN VERITATE
OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF
BENEDICT XVI
I. Summary

Caritas in Veritate is the name of the most recent encyclical letter of Pope Benedict XVI. The
first two words mean Love or Charity in Truth. It is about all contemporary forms of human
development in charity and truth as well as truth in charity. The dignity of the human person is
the foundation of this lengthy encyclical which covers social justice issues, ethical ones and
technology in relationship to the universal needs of all peoples.
The Pope reminds us that "charity is at the heart of the Church’s social doctrine". On the
other hand, given "the risk of being misinterpreted, detached from ethical living", it is linked
with truth. And cautions us: "A Christianity of charity without truth would be more or less
interchangeable with a pool of good sentiments, helpful for social cohesion, but of little
relevance"1
In chapter one which is the message of Paul VI in his encyclical letter, Populorum
Progressio it emphasizes and promoting the integral human development. The progress here as
our vocation that puts in charity at the central place of human development. Therefore, it
promotes the common good for all the people in which we are concerned to human development
that has fully open to all in line to the vocation of charity in order to make a better progress to all
beneficiary especially the needy as long as they serve all equality.
In chapter two it summarized the human integral development with common good as the
ultimate end. And it also addressed this chapter to problem of corruption because here we can
experience also hunger, disrespect of dignity, and injustice. Therefore, for development it needs
the interaction of the various levels of knowledge, put in harmony through charity (§ 30-31). One
must hope that the economic choices continue "to prioritize the goal of access to steady
employment" for everyone.

1
Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter “Caritas in Veritate”. 1-4. [Online PDF]. Available from
*Charity in Truth.pdf.
 In chapter three it summarized the important of the Principle of Gratuitousness in the
developing economy. Because human development should evaluate seriously on the meaning of
gratuitousness- giftedness in order to serve the common good of all the people for justice and
peace of every people especially the poor. Through motivation with charity in truth it will lead to
the service of need of the people equally by creating jobs, access to education to all, etc.
In chapter four, this chapter brings a profound reflection on human beings and their
participation in the integral development of humankind.
Rights and Duties
Population Growth
Economy
Natural Environment
New Lifestyle
Therefore, "States are called to enact policies promoting the centrality and the integrity of the
family" (44).
In chapter five it summarized the cooperation of all people and other nation with the use of
the principle of subsidiarity. This principle leads to the benefit of all people who have a right to
participate in the economic, political and cultural life in society. In order to promote human
dignity because this principle which offers a help to the human person for the common good
especially poverty.
In chapter six it summarized the proper using of technology in the light of charity in truth in
order to use properly in accordance of God’s grace. Technology here must not take over under
the mind of a person because it will lead to the destruction of morality. Just like bioethics that
can promote and create an abortion especially the fetus or embryo that can make a vaccine. The
common good here must serve the morality and it is our responsibility to stand what is truth and
that is why we come up to the conclusion that faith and reason must go together and work hand
in hand to demonstrate us what is good.

II. Identify the issues/concern

The issues here and concern is all about the social justice issues, ethical ones, world
financial, economic, social crisis, and technology in relationship to the universal
needs of all peoples.
III. Enumerate and Define the Principles
 Principle of Justice. practices equity, an ethical virtue, though important
touches the dimension of obligation.
 Principle of Common Good. It is the good that is sought not for its own sake,
but for the people who belong to the social community and who can only
really and effectively pursue their good within it. (7)
 Principle of Subsidiary. offers a help to the human person.
 Principle of Gratuitousness. The human being is made for gift, which
expresses and makes present his transcendent dimension. (34)
IV. Application
As a seminarians, future priests, and leaders in the society. We must follow Christ
example in order to give the need of the human development for the common good.
As 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) therefore, we must
also witness to other people by showing the right to serve in accordance with God’s
grace. Therefore, we must work in charity in truth in order to give the people needs
because when we have this kind of Love as God’s love, we can give them the love
that gives joy and ultimate end. Charity, in fact, “rejoices in the truth” (1 Cor 13:6).
Therefore, it is, first of all, “creative love”—a love that led God freely and graciously
to create the world, the human race, and each individual human being. And lastly, we
are called to act with justice. We are called to love tenderly. We are called to serve
one another, to walk humbly with God. let us open our hearts to others to work with
love and in truth so that we may give the common good with justice and peace ang
bring them into the light of God’s love by working and promoting the right to life,
works, etc. in order to have the goal of the ultimate end which is God.