Three points to take away from 'Caritas in Veritate'

While the G-8, Congress and parliaments around the world debate the best way to create a “technical fix” to the economic crisis, a stunning caveat was issued this morning. Pope Benedict’s encyclical letter "Caritas in Veritate" leaves the technical fixes to governments but highlights the need for a moral foundation that seems to be missing in government discussions worldwide.

Writing on the need for this foundation, Pope Benedict notes: “Development is impossible without upright men and women, without financiers and politicians whose consciences are finely attuned to the requirements of the common good. Both professional competence and moral consistency are necessary.”

Leaving the technical debate to the politicians, the pope has gone to the heart of the matter.

Of course, at least one commentator has asked who – if anyone – will pay attention. But at least one group will: the American people.