attaining the common good "belongs to both individuals and the state," he said.

The latter "must guarantee the cohesion, unity and organization of society," since "political institutions exist to provide people with the material resources and freedoms required to achieve cultural, moral and spiritual goals," Archbishop Caccia said.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV's apostolic exhortation "Dilexi Te" ("I Have Loved You"), the archbishop said "resolving the structural causes of poverty" is imperative -- not only to preserve "the good order of society," but "because society needs to be cured of a sickness which is weakening and frustrating it, and which can only lead to new crises."

"The deprivations of poverty, unemployment and social exclusion are not only material, but also spiritual and moral in nature, leading to discouragement, despair and loneliness," Archbishop Caccia pointed out.

He observed that "this spiritual dimension" of poverty had been recognized in the Copenhagen Declaration and "reaffirmed" at the Second World Summit for Social Development, which took place in Doha in November.

Archbishop Caccia commended to U.N. member states the work of faith-based organizations, which "animated by their values" offer "reassurance, hope, and support to those most in need.

"The Holy See remains firmly committed to social justice and social development and will continue to support all efforts which promote the common good and the integral development of each person," said Archbishop Caccia.

- - - Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.