Speaking to an international group dedicated to promoting education of the Church’s social teaching, Pope Francis called for a new economic view that places the human person at the center. “We must return to the centrality of man, to a more ethical view of business and human relations, without the fear of losing something,” the Pope said on May 25.

The Holy Father greeted the members of the international gathering and thanked them for their efforts to promote a greater understanding of the Church’s social doctrine. He reflected on the theme of the conference, “Rethinking solidarity for employment: the challenges of the 21st century.”

The call to “rethink solidarity” is not a call to challenge Church teaching, but rather to apply it to the new circumstances and situations presented by the ever-changing socio-economic development of the modern world, the Pope said.

It is also an opportunity to deepen reflection on the value of solidarity, a key component of Catholic social teaching which is deeply rooted in the Gospel, he added.

Pointing to the “current economic and social crisis,” Pope Francis explained that rising joblessness makes the task of rethinking solidarity more urgent.

He also urged the restoration of solidarity as a “social value,” noting that much of the business and economic world do not hold it in high esteem.

Observing that ethical and economic problems are widespread, Pope Francis stressed that rethinking solidarity will require not only aid to the poor, but also a global reform of the system in ways that respect the inherent rights and dignity of the human person.