Pope at Jubilee Audience: Peace calls for taking a stand where human dignity is trampled – Vatican News

Report on Papal Jubilee Audience: A Call for Action on Sustainable Development Goals

During a Jubilee Audience, Pope Leo XIV delivered an address emphasizing the Christian duty to actively promote peace and defend human dignity. The Pope’s reflection centered on the life of Servant of God Dorothy Day, presenting her work as a tangible model for implementing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dorothy Day: A Paradigm for Sustainable Development Action

Addressing Poverty and Inequality (SDG 1 & SDG 10)

The Pope highlighted Dorothy Day’s lifelong commitment to alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. He noted that Day recognized that the prevailing economic development model failed to provide equal opportunities, creating a “nightmare” for many. Her work directly aligns with the objectives of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Co-founded the Catholic Worker movement to provide direct aid to those affected by the Great Depression.
• Actively worked with and for individuals cast aside by economic systems, challenging the structures that perpetuate poverty.
• Transformed social indignation into concrete action, fostering communion with the most marginalized populations.

Promoting Decent Work and Economic Justice (SDG 8)

Pope Leo XIV underscored Day’s advocacy for workers and migrants, which resonates strongly with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). He explained that as a Christian, Day felt compelled to involve herself directly with the struggles of laborers and migrants, advocating for their rights and dignity within an economy the Pope described as one that “kills.” Her efforts serve as an inspiration for creating inclusive and sustainable economic growth and providing decent work for all.

A Mandate for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

The Imperative to Defend Human Dignity

The central theme of the address was the call for Christians to “take a stand” for what is right, thereby promoting peace through the active defense of human dignity. This directive is the foundational principle of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which seeks to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Framework for Concrete Action

The Pope urged the faithful to translate faith into tangible efforts that contribute to a more just and sustainable society. He outlined a clear call to action, encouraging individuals to emulate Day’s commitment to social justice.

1. Recognize the gifts and resources available to contribute to the common good.
2. Take a definitive stand, in alignment with Gospel values, against social and economic injustices.
3. Actively work to promote a society that protects human dignity and advances global development goals.
4. Channel hope into concrete action that builds communion and addresses the root causes of inequality and conflict.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article highlights Dorothy Day’s work “for the poor,” directly connecting to the goal of eradicating poverty.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  Her involvement “with workers” and standing against “an economy that kills” relates to the promotion of fair employment and workers’ rights.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article mentions that Dorothy Day “saw that the development model of her country did not create the same opportunities for everyone” and worked with “migrants” and “those cast aside,” which are central themes of reducing inequality.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The opening statement that Christians are to “promote peace by actively defending and protecting human dignity” and the call to “take a stand for what is right” align with the principles of peace and justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 1 (No Poverty):
  • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty. The article’s focus on Dorothy Day’s “great works for the poor” during the Great Depression directly reflects actions aimed at alleviating poverty.
• Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
  • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. Her activism and involvement “with workers” implies a commitment to protecting their rights and dignity.
• Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
  • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all. The article notes her work with “those cast aside by an economy that kills,” which is a direct effort to include marginalized individuals.
  • Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people. The specific mention of her work “with migrants” connects to this target.
• Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The call to “promote peace by actively defending and protecting human dignity” is a foundational step towards reducing conflict and violence.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 1.2: The article implies progress can be measured by the extent and impact of “great works for the poor.” An implied indicator is the level of concrete commitment and action taken to help those in poverty.
• For Target 8.8: Progress is implied through the act of “involving” oneself with workers. An indicator could be the number and effectiveness of actions or movements that advocate for and support workers’ rights.
• For Target 10.2 & 10.7: The article implies measurement through active engagement. Indicators would include the level of support provided to migrants and the creation of opportunities for those “cast aside by an economy.” The transformation of “indignation into communion and action” suggests a qualitative indicator of social change.
• For Target 16.1: The article suggests progress is measured by the commitment to “take a stand for what is right” and the active defense and protection of human dignity. An indicator would be the frequency and impact of actions taken to uphold human dignity as a means of promoting peace.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vaticannews.va