Pope Praises Democracy

From Catholic World News:

May. 19 (CWNews.com) - Democratic government is "the most valid historical instrument" for advancing human rights and development, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed in a May 19 address to the Centesimus Annus (doc) - Pro Pontifice Foundation.

Speaking at a private audience in the Clementine room of the apostolic palace, to participants in a conference organized by the Italian foundation to discuss democracy and social justice, the Holy Father congratulated the leaders of the Centesimus Annus- Pro Pontifice Foundation for their work to promote Catholic social teaching first in Europe, and now in the Americas.

Democracy, Pope Benedict said, has proven to be an effective means of "guaranteeing the future in a way worthy of man." He added, however, that democracy relies on the existence of other institutions that uphold a stable society. "Equally," the Pope continued, "there is an urgent need for tenacious, lasting and shared efforts to promote social justice."