”Work, in fact, cannot be a mere cog in a perverse mechanism which grinds resources in order to make a profit.” — Pope Francis, Nov. 7, 2015
The dignity of workers was at the center of an address by Pope Francis on Saturday, during which the pontiff reflected on the connection between the right to employment and the right to leisure.
He cited the Scripture account of creation, in which God calls man to rest on the seventh day, concluding that “rest, in the language of faith, is therefore at once a human and Divine dimension.”
The Pope urged those present to guarantee there is insurance for the elderly, the sick, and those suffering misfortunes in connection to their work. He also called for the protection of the right to pensions.
Pope Francis went on to emphasize the importance of supporting the right to work, thereby “ensuring a dignified existence” for employees.
“Work, in fact, cannot be a mere cog in a perverse mechanism which grinds resources in order to make a profit,” nor can it be reduced simply to productivity at the expense of “values, relationships, and principles.”