175. The same mindset which stands in the way of making radical decisions to reverse the trend of
global warming also stands in the way of achieving the goal of eliminating poverty. A more
responsible overall approach is needed to deal with both problems: the reduction of pollution and the
development of poorer countries and regions. The twenty-first century, while maintaining systems of
governance inherited from the past, is witnessing a weakening of the power of nation states, chiefly
because the economic and financial sectors, being transnational, tends to prevail over the political.
Given this situation, it is essential to devise stronger and more efficiently organized international
institutions, with functionaries who are appointed fairly by agreement among national governments,
and empowered to impose sanctions. As Benedict XVI has affirmed in continuity with the social
teachingof theChurch: “Tomanage the global economy; to revive economies hit by the crisis; to avoid
any deterioration of the present crisis and the greater imbalances that would result; to bring about
integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace; to guarantee the protection of the
environment and to regulate migration: for all this, there is urgent need of a true world political
authority, as my predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago”.
129
Diplomacy also takes
on new importance in the work of developing international strategies which can anticipate serious
problems affectingus all.
II.
DIALOGUEFORNEWNATIONALANDLOCALPOLICIES
176. There are not just winners and losers among countries, but within poorer countries themselves.
Hence different responsibilities need to be identified. Questions related to the environment and
economic development can no longer be approached only from the standpoint of differences between
countries; they also call for greater attention to policies on thenational and local levels.
177. Given the real potential for a misuse of human abilities, individual states can no longer ignore
their responsibility for planning, coordination, oversight and enforcement within their respective
borders. How can a society plan and protect its future amid constantly developing technological
innovations? One authoritative source of oversight and coordination is the law, which lays down rules
for admissible conduct in the light of the common good. The limits which a healthy, mature and
sovereign society must impose are those related to foresight and security, regulatory norms, timely
129
BENEDICTXVI,Encyclical Letter
Caritas inVeritate
(29 June 2009), 67:AAS 101 (2009).
