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INTENTION : |
That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption.
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The International Debate on Corruption has expressed the common intent to deal with various forms of corruption, organized crime and the mafia. Corruption, prior to being an act, is a condition: hence the need for culture, education, training, institutional action, citizen participation. The Consultation Group proposes, to formulate different definitions of "corruption", as stated by Pope Francis and Cardinal Turkson in the book-interview "Corrosione", published on 15 June 2017.
The Consultation Group will not just come up with virtuous exhortations, because concrete gestures are needed. In fact, a commitment to education requires credible teachers, even in the Church.
"Let's pray for all the victims of the mafias, we ask for the strength to go forward, to continue to fight against corruption", wrote Pope Francis on 19 July.
The Church in the world is in itself a network, and for this reason it can and must serve this purpose with courage, resolution, transparency, spirit of collaboration and creativity.Thus, the action of the Consultation Group will be educational and informative, and will address public opinion and many institutions to create a mentality of freedom and justice, in view of the common good.
Normally, the consequences of corruption are not easily recognized: one is unaware that an act of corruption is often at the base of a crime. The Consultation Group will therefore intervene to fill this gap, especially wherever, in the world, corruption is the dominant social system.
The Consultation Group will also investigate further into the development of a global response - through Bishops' Conferences and local Churches - to the excommunication of the mafia and other similar criminal organizations and to the prospect of excommunication for corruption. This will not be a simple road to follow: the Church is present in the world and must listen to all of its parts in order to dialogue with non-Christians as well in an active, transparent and effective way.
Moreover, it will be essential to develop the almost-lost relationship between justice and beauty. Our extraordinary historical, artistic and architectural heritage will be a formidable element supporting educational and social actions against all forms of corruption and organized crime.
Outcome Document on Corruption
Vatican Radio
2 August 2017
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