Globalization Must Be Regulated, Says John Paul II

VATICAN CITY, MAY 2, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Citing what he sees as a lack of effective mechanisms to direct the process of globalization, John Paul II proposed "a new constitutional organization of the human family."

The Pope addressed the issue of "The Governance of Globalization" when he met today with some 70 scientists, writers, philosophers, economists, sociologists and jurists, members of the Pontifical Academy for Social Sciences.

The "processes by which capital, goods, information, technology and knowledge are exchanged and circulated throughout the world today often elude the traditional mechanisms of regulatory control put in place by national governments and international agencies," the Holy Father said in his address.

"Special interests and the demands of the market frequently predominate over concern for the common good," he added. "This tends to leave the weaker members of society without adequate protection and can subject entire peoples and cultures to a formidable struggle for survival."

"Moreover, it is disturbing to witness a globalization that exacerbates the conditions of the needy, that does not sufficiently contribute to resolving situations of hunger, poverty and social inequality, that fails to safeguard the natural environment," the Pope said.

"These aspects of globalization can give rise to extreme reactions, leading to excessive nationalism, religious fanaticism and even acts of terrorism," he warned.

He continued: "All of this is far-removed from the concept of an ethically responsible globalization capable of treating all peoples as equal partners and not as passive instruments. Accordingly, there can be little doubt of the need for guidelines that will place globalization firmly at the service of authentic human development -- the development of every person and of the whole person -- in full respect of the rights and dignity of all."

The "true success of globalization will be measured by the extent that it enables every person to enjoy the basic goods of food and housing, of education and employment, of peace and social progress, of economic development and justice," the Pontiff said.

However, this "goal cannot be achieved without guidance from the international community and adequate regulation on the part of the worldwide political establishment," he continued.

Consequently, "now is the time to work together for a new constitutional organization of the human family, an organization that would be in a position to meet the new demands of a globalized world," the Pope said.

"This does not mean creating a 'global super-state,' but continuing the processes already under way to increase democratic participation and promote political transparency and accountability," he concluded.