A person who is concerned solely or primarily with possessing and enjoying – who can no longer subordinate his instincts - cannot be free. Materialism has grown fat in the U.S., nursed by a deep cultural consumerism.

“Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life”. However, “the Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy.” (CCC, 2272)

Our 'common home' is more than just the natural environment - nor is it the environment in the most danger.

This is a wonderful community we bring together tonight. CAPP – US, our beloved Jesuits, members of the Fordham faculty and trustees, alumni and friends. I want to explain why it is so fitting that we come together.

I am delighted to be with you this evening at this dinner offered by the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation and made possible by the generosity of Fordham University.

Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum was published during the tempestuous years of the Industrial Revolution, and as such was The Church’s first social commentary – and our first resource in Catholic Social Teaching – considering the rights of the worker.