Then, Benedict XVI reflected "on the subject of wealth and poverty, not least on an international scale, in which two economic rationales confront each other: the rationale of profit and the rationale of a fair distribution of assets, which are not in mutual contrast, provided the relationship between them is well ordered". Actually, "the Catholic social doctrine has always stated that a fair distribution of assets is a priority. Profit is naturally legitimate and, to the right extent, it is necessary to economic development". On recalling John Paul II, who wrote in the Centesimus annus that "capitalism must not be considered the only effective model of economic organisation", the Pope highlighted that "the emergency of hunger and the environmental emergency increasingly show us that the rationale of profit, if prevailing, increases the imbalance between rich and poor, and a ruinous exploitation of the planet. When instead the rationale of sharing and solidarity prevails, the route can be changed and steered towards a fair and sustainable development". May Mary, he concluded, "help Christians use worldly assets with evangelical wisdom, in other words, with generous solidarity, and may She inspire leaders and economists to implement far-sighted strategies that will promote the effective progress of all peoples".
