How Caritas Chief Sees Pope's 1st Encyclical Interview With Denis Viénot

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 8, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's first encyclical encourages Catholic charitable organizations to work "in a spirit of efficacy and creativity," says the president of Caritas Internationalis. Denis Viénot oversees the confederation of 162 Catholic aid, development and social service organizations. Elected last May, he is the first layman to preside over Caritas Internationalis. He shared his ideas about the recent encyclical with ZENIT. Q: The Pope's first encyclical is entitled "Deus Caritas Est." Does it spell specific consequences for Caritas Internationalis? Viénot: The Pope's reaffirmation of the place of the charitable dimension in the mission of the Church is a source of renewed motivation for Caritas Internationalis and its members. His insistence on the necessary organization of charity at the parish, diocesan and country level and also at the international level, encourages us in a spirit of efficacy and creativity, integrating the needs of salaried workers and competent volunteers motivated by love of neighbor. Q: For many the word "charity" is synonymous with "giving money to the poor." It this a myopic view of the Christian concept of charity? Viénot: Charity, as the Pope says, is "social," both at the level of the person as well as of social groups. It is global, as Paul VI said in the encyclical "Populorum Progressio," as it is directed to the "whole person." Certain deviations of the past, too inclined to welfare, are unfortunately still in evidence today. Undoubtedly, immediate urgency is often necessary but it must be organized with a limited duration so that it results in the activation of the beneficiaries' talents. Q: In the encyclical, the Pope underlines that God particularly loves the poor, the weak and the marginalized. How do you live out this aspect? Viénot: Caritas' action concerns services for needy people and excluded and marginalized populations. Christian communities and Caritas workers must think of interaction with the poor to form inclusive and renewed communities that move toward greater charity, justice and solidarity. Relationship is the heart of this challenge. There are no good and bad poor, good and bad immigrants. Charity walks hand in hand with the Word of God and with its celebration. Q: In your opinion, what is still lacking in Christians' aid to the needy? Viénot: To realize that they are before God himself. This makes us fearful, it makes us humble, it surpasses us. It is important that they continue in this way and that they develop these relationships. Q: The Pope presented the encyclical at the conclusion of a congress in the Vatican on charity, convoked by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum." What challenges did it pose? Viénot: This congress hoped to address above all cooperation between organizations and institutions. This cooperation is indispensable and vital given the variety of needs. Each one acts according to its motivations, means and competencies. The present challenge consists in developing these exchanges with international organizations, civil society, members of the Catholic Church, other Churches and religions and all men and women of good will.