Pope Francis on Monday appointed the economist Jeffrey Sachs to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
The Holy See press office said on Oct. 25 that the pope had named Sachs as an “ordinary member” of the academy founded in 1994 by Pope John Paul II to promote the study and progress of the social sciences.
Sachs, the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University in New York, has been a frequent visitor to the Vatican in recent years.
The 66-year-old was a featured speaker in at least six Vatican conferences in 2019-2020, lecturing on topics from education to ethics.
The president of the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network also took part in the Amazon synod in October 2019 and “The Economy of Francesco” international virtual event in November 2020.
Sachs, who has served as an adviser to three United Nations secretaries-general, has advocated for a reduction in fertility rates in developing countries through the dissemination of contraception, a view at odds with Catholic teaching.
“Success at reducing high fertility rates depends on keeping girls in school, ensuring that children survive, and providing access to modern family planning and contraceptives,” he wrote in 2011.
CNA asked Bishop Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, about this statement in February 2020.
Sorondo responded that Sachs had made the comment in 2011. “Now he has changed,” the Argentine bishop said.
He explained that Sachs had featured with such frequency at Vatican conferences “because he integrates the magisterium of the Church and of Pope Francis into economics by putting the human person and the common good at the center.”
CNA asked Sachs in February 2020 how his advocacy for reducing fertility rates and contraception squared with Pope Francis’ sense of “integral human ecology,” and whether he believed it was right for people in the developed world to advocate lifestyle choices to those in the developing world.
Sachs replied that he strongly agreed with “Pope Francis’ support for ‘responsible parenthood’ as also enunciated by Pope St. Paul VI. This idea means that families, that is mothers and fathers together, should take a rational decision on having children based on their circumstances with focus of securing their flourishing.”
Sachs is a special advisor to the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by U.N. member states in 2015 in a resolution called 2030 Agenda.
SDG target 5.6 is to “Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.”
Sachs told CNA in 2020: “Access to abortion is a choice left to each nation. The Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 do not mention abortion or promote abortion.”
Sachs was born on Nov. 5, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated in economics from Harvard University. He has taught at Harvard and was director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.
Time magazine has twice named him among the 100 most influential world leaders and the Economist magazine ranked him among the top three most influential living economists.
The above comes from an Oct. 25 story on the site of the Catholic News Agency.
This guy should imprisoned for helping to loot Russia….where the vast resource of the country went to certain oligarchs. Thankfully Putin jailed them..Sachs should be next.
Putin would have to jail himself if he were to jail oligarchs who looted Russia. Then he would have to start looting other oligarchs who looted Russia. He won’t because he is in cahoots with them.
When Sachs began advising Bolivia, it was the poorest country in South America and had an annual inflation rate of 24,000 percent. His suggestion for reducing inflation was to apply fiscal and monetary discipline and end economic regulation that protected the elites and blocked the free market. Hyperinflation reduced within weeks of the Bolivian government instituting his suggestions and the government settled its large debt to international lenders for about 11 cents on the dollar. His wiki page
What did he do in Russia?
98% of American Catholic women have used birth control.
Seems to me that supporters of Humanae Vitae ought to spend as much effort calling for scientific perfections of ethical/natural family planning as they do for ethical vaccines.
There is a lot of research to be done in this area. Where are our Catholic scientists and OB/GYNs?
No, 98% of American women have certainly not used birth control– the figure is lower than that. Use of birth control is dishonest, unethical, selfish, and a serious sin. Sex is a marital responsibility, and belongs only in Marriage. God calls us to lovingly welcome children whom He creates in the conjugal act. The corrupt Western world fraudulently loves money and materialism– and has becone anti-God, anti-family, anti-child, and anti- motherhood. No, we do not need “population-control.” A family does not need “money and materialism” to raise children. The concepts of “Humanae Vitae” are an important Catholic teaching, and an integral part of Catholic life.
Expect nothing less from the resident homosexual who thinks so called gay marriage is valid
“The Resident Homosexual” what a cute nickname, I rather like it! Interesting, though, since neither this article nor my comment had anything whatsoever to do with homosexuality. You see me only through my identity as a gay man. Also interesting, since the homophobic right often likes to say that there is no such thing as a homosexual identity. Funny, then, that all you can use to identify me is my sexuality. I wonder how you can reconcile that contradiction in your soul.
YFC, why not strongly–and often– advocate for the chaste gay life, honoring Jesus Christ, and your happiness and success with it, for many years? You could even relate some of your struggles, and how, by God’s help, you have successfully worked through any possible life struggles. It would help other Catholics you might relate to a lot, and would inspire many “LGBT” Catholics to follow in your footsteps. I do not care what people’s troubles and struggles are, we all have them. And I never put “labels” on people, such as “you are a homosexual.” But I strongly object to those who insist on leading an immoral lifestyle, whether homosexual or heterosexual.
The worst person I know is chaste.
notgayjustbitter– Chastity is a very important and essential Christian virtue, a necessity to learn and daily practice. We are all called by Christ to always love and respect God, our fellowman, and ourselves, and to keep our eyes, our minds, our hearts, and our bodies chaste and pure. Sometimes it may be hard, but God will provide the grace for all to learn and practice this virtue well. All Catholics– homosexuals and heterosexuals– must learn our Catholic faith and practice it well, and then we will be on our way to Heaven!
All the great Saints said that the virtue of Chastity is a virtue that you have to daily practice, and work hard at. Regular Confession and penance also helped the Saints with this great virtue. God provides many graces to all, to strengthen Christians in this great virtue.
So much emphasis on sexual sins. Chastity isn’t going to keep you out of hell if you are mean, if you lie, cheat others and steal. If you dishonor your mother and your father. If you spend years plotting how to get back at someone, lying in wait for when they are vulnerable.
There are six things the LORD hates,
yes, seven are an abomination to him;
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that plots wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to run to evil,
The false witness who utters lies,
and the one who sows discord among kindred.
Proverbs 6:16-19
Adultery is a mortal sin. And all sex outside of a sacramental marriage is as well.
it is interesting though how you assume one person here is committing sins of the flesh but only one. Chastity is difficult. I am sure everyone here has had temptations they have fallen for, unless preserved by the Lord as some saints have been.
Perhaps some dedicated, chaste “LGBTs” feel some loneliness at times. I know of a variety of people who are alone in the world, like the “LGBTs,” due to circumstances beyond their control. Widows/widowers of all ages, some raising children; people of all ages dealing with difficult illnesses (like cancer) and disabilities; people with spouses that are seriously ill with dementia, elderly in nursing homes, Catholics who are divorced/some also church annulled– many raising children, and some who say they never will re-marry, due to religious beliefs– or will not re-marry while raising children… the list goes on and on… And then, there are the devout, chaste Catholic “LGBTs,” with religious beliefs– wonderful.
So, what do all of these single people do, when they get lonesome? Many will not marry, nor re-marry. Some have spouses who are seriously ill, seriously disabled, or have dementia– and some will live for years, while some will soon die. Loneliness at times, is just a part of the human condition. Everyone can find good ways to solve loneliness. God can help, if you pray and ask His help. God can provide nice ways for everyone, in all types of situations, to find friendship, support, and nice social activities to enjoy. We are truly never alone. It is just best, to never put a “label” on yourself, of “disabled,” “terminally ill,” “divorced,” “widowed,” “old and forgetful with Alzheimer’s,” “gay,” or any other “label.” We are all just “human beings,” dear, beloved children of God, that’s all. And we all are together, bearing our life’s joys and sorrows. We all can help and support each other, and make lots of nice friends.
notgayjustbitter– you have missed the whole point. This is a Catholic website. Catholics follow Christ, and seek personal transformation, in His Love, to become Christ-like, good people. To practice Chastity is a major Christian virtue, an act of Christ-like love for God and your fellowman, and yourself. You must be dedicated to God, never look at others to lustfully use and “objectify” them. The body is a holy temple in which we worship God. We must always seek to see Christ in our fellow man. Our Lady of Fatima warned, that more souls go to Hell for sins of the flesh, than for any other. We are all called to practice the virtue of Chastity, and see Christ in others, for love of God and our fellow man.
Just identify as a man. Adding the adjective “homosexual” only describes the kind of sins you are tempted by.
You are a wounded soul YFC but God’s love for you is stronger than your inclinations.
I pray for you even though I rarely if ever agree with you.
Oh I have no idea how I have survived 58 years on this planet without your advice. Thanks be to God that you have come into my life and changed it forever.
Mom hit a nerve for you to give that sarcastic of a reply YFC. She seemed sincere to me, you lashing out showed your woundedness. Shoulda said thanks or ignored her.
YFC, if you are gay and chaste, for love of God, sacrificing the “gay lifestyle” for love of our Savior, Jesus Christ– you will inspire others to follow, and will earn the respect of many.
YFC was hit close to the mark with mom’s comment. What he and the rest of LGBT syndicate has not figured out is that there are two was to deal with sin 1) confession and repentance or 2) rationalization – they have chose the latter.
I just think many of you have an unhealthy obsession with homosexuality. Really, what I call myself, whether I’m lonely, whether I have a “lifestyle”, whatever that means, is absolutely none of your business. You need to get a life and worry about your own sins instead of obsessing over me and mine.
YFC, this is a Catholic website. As you know, the gay “lifestyle” is a serious sin. You may be a devout, faithful Catholic, who has always led a chaste life for love of Jesus, and shunned the sinful, unhealthy, and destructive “gay lifestyle,” all your life. But nobody knows that– because you don’t mention it. So, some people may just view you in a negative and “unfair” manner. You are not, in God’s eyes, “gay.” You are simply a human being, like the rest of us. All of us are made in God’s Image. All of us, without exception– are God’s beloved children.
Then stop telling people to get jabbed.
You post on a public forum about the Catholic Church and faith. You state opinions contrary to said Church’s and faith’s teachings. Then you play the victim and gaslight those who call you out.
YFC, I ask myself this same question so it is not meant as an insult. “Why do you come here? You know what they are like.” When I was younger, if I saw a website where someone thumbs downed Scripture and the Catechism, I would have been sure it was of Satan and I would have fled.
We are constantly exposing ourselves to error here.
The happy Catholics are those who do not do this. They just live the faith and they pray for sinners.
They don’t question the Pope or the Bishops. They just happily go to Church and then go back to their lives. Of course, a lot of them have families so they are busy loving all day long.
I understand that the people above are loving you in the only way they know how to. But it is like a dysfunctional family where you have to get away from them because the way they “love” is toxic.
Like all situations, we need to ask ourselves “Are we becoming better Christians by hanging out with these people or worse?”
Above all else, why don’t you do it? You are not saying that you are chaste and how it helped you or Jesus?
There are people (but they are usually pretty young) who have led chaste lifestyles for Jesus and shunned all sinful lifestyle choices.
If you are one of them, why don’t you do what you are asking YFC to do?
Whether you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, non-binary, straight, you can provide good example.
Dear Christifidelis and/or Above All Else and You Post: I don’t talk about my sex life in public. Its all of you who constantly raise the subject. Don’t you think that’s bizarre? When you are with your family at Thanksgiving, will you be asking each other about their sex lives? I know my family won’t be. You all raise the subject of my sexuality, not me. This article isn’t about homosexuality, or heterosexuality, and I didn’t mention anything about sexuality. You all did. You turn it into one, for some bizarre obsessed reason. Really, some of you are sick. I hope you get the help you deserve. And I’m sure the editors will throw you some red meat with an article about homosexuality, probably in the next day or two, because they know how obsessed you all are.
And while we are talking about chastity, Halloweekend is a time of heavy alcohol consumption and it’s accompanying sexual promiscuity/sexual exploitation.
Please pray for all those who are living with regrets today and tomorrow.
cton, I have been a faithful Catholic lifelong, and am now close to life’s end. Most Catholics of my generation were taught the Faith very well, and led good and decent lives. I do not like to see people suffering abuse, in our Church– especially if they have not clearly stated that they are against Catholic teachings.
cton, on Halloween, good Catholic families take their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to Halloween events, and to “trick-or-treating.” Next, they tell their little ones stories of the Saints, and go to Mass on All Saints’ Day. Then, we go to Mass on All Souls’ Day, and pray for all our beloved deceased family members and friends. Halloween, All Saints, and All Souls’ Feasts are times of Catholic family closeness.
above all else, so if you led a life where you committed no sins, tell people about that. So many people now, don’t even know that living a life like that is an option.
They think you have to have sex on the third date. Or that if a guy buys you dinner you owe him sex. Or that you are supposed to lose your virginity on prom night. Or what happens on Halloweekend stays on Halloweekend. Or married people have celebrity crushes that they give each other passes if they meet and can score. Most children now are born to unmarried mothers.
There are also young Catholics who have been taught the faith and could use the support.
If you lived the faith, did it go well? Are you unmarried and stayed single and don’t regret it especially now that you are close to life’s end?
Were you married? Did that go well or were you trapped in a marriage that was a cross to bear? What were the benefits?
Are you in a religious vocation? Did it go well? Were there trials?
And there is a celebrity advise giver to writes books for women to choose self respect over turning themselves over to a man and he teaches them not to have sex with a new man for the first 90 days.
This is about as moral as it gets out there.
YFC, why do you broadcast to the public, on this website, that you are “gay?” Why not just state your comments on the articles? If you are going to publicly tell the whole world that you are “gay,” on a Catholic website– it is polite and respectful to also state clearly, that you fully believe in Church teachings– and have embraced a chaste life, for love of God. And encourage others who are “gay,” to do the same. If you are (as you stated) age 58, then you could certainly be a Role Model for others who are Catholic and “gay “
YFC, yes, it is always wrong to discuss intinate details of your life. However, in the case of a man who is a Catholic, and who says that he is “gay,” you automatically bring up the issue of sexuality. It hits everyone in the face, and is extremely offensive, YFC. If you are going to even bring up the issue that you are “gay,” please do have the respect for others, to clearly state that you love God and are chaste as a “gsy” man, and staunchly 100% faithful to Church teachings.
YFC, yes, it is always wrong to discuss intinate details of your life. However, in the case of a man who is a Catholic, and who says that he is “gay,” you automatically bring up the issue of sexuality. It hits everyone in the face, and is extremely offensive, YFC. If you are going to even bring up the issue that you are “gay,” please do have the respect for others, to clearly state that you love God and are chaste as a “gay” man, and staunchly 100% faithful to Church teachings.
Many years ago YFC said that he believed in same-sex “marriage”, which is against Church teaching, and as far as I know he has never posted that he has changed his mind. That is why many who have posted here are upset with him and he with them. That is all I am going to say about the matter.
cton — sounds like you really need to leave the filthy and worthless secular world, which brings sin, corruption, and Death– and embrace Jesus, Who brings all happiness, and Eternal Life– and folliw only Him, stay close to the Church, lifelong– nothing else matters. Best to settle on a vocation– married or religious life– and follow Our Lord completely in it. If you choose marriage, a good Catholic spouse, children, and good Catholic family life, with Christ at the center, in the “domestic church” in your home– is ideal.
Above all else, most Americans think that sexual activity is morally neutral. They still think cheating is wrong (and it can be someone you are just “talking to”. They still think there is an age when people are old enough to consent. And there is a growing understanding of sexual exploitation. There is a growing understanding that having an excessive number of sexual partners is a pathology. (For faithful Catholics, an excessive number is one, if you are not married and two if you are married and not widowed.)
We need brave people who can say that the path of not having sex is valid and is preferable. People who chose that way are made to feel as if they are weird or backwards or oppressed. We need people who can say that using birth control is unnecessary and contrary to charity. We need people who can say that divorce is not acceptable except in cases of violence and other abuse and even then the couple should work to repair themselves and the marriage. We need people who can say that it is your responsibility, when you get pregnant or get someone pregnant, to love and nurture the baby.
cton, this is a Catholic website. I couldn’t care less what those in Satan’s filthy “Culture of Death” think or do. Garbage.
Anne TE– is that true, then? YFC really does not accept Church teachings and believes in gay “marriage?” Get your life right with Christ, then, YFC. End of comments. Waste of time.
Above all else, if you don’t care then you are not a devout Catholic after all. I realize that you are elderly but you are supposed to be praying for and making sacrifices and evangelizing them.
cton– waste of time. Mindless blabbering.
above, you did this once before when you got owned. You were posting under a different name then.
Nevertheless, pray for the conversion of sinners as Our Lady asks. Please.
98% of American Catholic women have at some time used birth control. We don’t know the reason. Maybe pre-marital; maybe they tried it when they were in college.
Women should go on this website and learn the natural methods of avoiding fertile times (if your married.) https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/what-natural-family-planning
If you are not married, a guy desiring to have sex with you needs to be told no. They will say anything when they want sex. It is a no and don’t let him talk you into doing dirty things in place of sex.
Women are people pleasers and they compromise their own best interests and even their souls just to accommodate others and be the nice person. Women need to pray to the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph and get away from men that are after sex. IF he leaves, too bad.
You will find someone better.
The ones who are good don’t care how long it takes and will marry you first. Do things in the proper order and you do not need birth control.
ct– no, that is not true, 98% of American Catholic women have certainly not used birth control. No way. There are a great many good, devout Catholic women, sitting right near you at Mass, all ages– who love Our Lord and His Blessed Mother, and frequently attend Mass and receive Holy Communion, and would never ever wish to hurt Christ and degrade themselves, and run out like a filthy, Godless, dirty harlot, and buy filthy, shameful birth control, and commit absolutely filthy sexual sins. No way.
Devout Catholic girls and women who are “in love” with Our Lord, who also love His holy Mother, and go to Mass a lot, go to Confession regularly, say the Rosary, practice religious devotions, and are involved in their church, have a completely different life, and a completely different mind and heart, than the average American girl or woman of the “Death Culture.” They are very pure and good. No interest in the filth of the “Death Culture.” You will see these dedicated Catholic girls and women involved in Pro Life work, toiling tirelessly, like Lila Rose, to save the lives of poor, unborn children, doing lots of other good religious work for Our Lord, leading religious groups (like the Legion of Mary, etc.) and many other wonderful religious endeavors. Many of them seriously consider becoming a nun. Many marry, and have a lovely Catholic marriage, home and family. They and their husbands and families form the backbone of their parish churches.
Devout Catholic girls and women, who love Our Lord, and are deeply committed to Him, and to Our Blessed Mother, do not live in the filthy, Godless, sinful secular “Death Culture.” They live completely different lives, happy and fulfilled in Christ, as serious Catholics, seeking to destroy Satan’s “Culture of Death,” and help establish the “Culture of Life,” since the filthy, Godless, sinful, abominable 1960s “hippie era,” which destroyed much of our country and our Church. Older, dedicated Catholics shun all of this Satanic evil, and lead good, quiet lives, close to Christ, with like-minded, devout older Catholics.
MCW, I agree with you that it is how it should be but it is not how it is.
I know many young devout Catholic women who are more devout than their parents.
Also, homeschooling has aided the knowledge that young people have of the faith.
Where I live, Catholic education is only available through the 5th grade. 8th grade if you go across the state line to educate your kids, which we did.
I kept mine out of the sex education because of concern with what the other students would bring up not with the curricula.
Mine are chaste. I, as a parent, drove home the importance of that. But they got bad advice from other kids and other relativesnand they got bullied for being too naïve and teased and told stupid things about sex. I had to discuss things I never thought I would have to.
Yet another disappointment from the current pontiff.
Pope Francis has put this wolf in the hen house fully aware of the man’s anti-life work and agenda. This is a shocking move from the pope, and another reason millions of Catholics do not trust his wisdom or judgement, then again, perhaps it’s actually Francis who is the wolf in the hen house.
Popes are not infallible all the time and this is a big failure from Pope Francis. Doubtful even jon would like this latest papal move.
The article says that he has changed since the contraception statement.
Everybody’s mistakes live forever on the Internet.
Pope Francis has enthroned a pro abortion atheist at the Vatican and most Catholics aren’t outraged. Tells a lot about the state of the Church.
Mom, what makes you think he is an atheist? I tried to find out and couldnt find anything one way or another.
Well he certainly isnt Catholic and has no business being anywhere near the Vatican. But to liberals like you nothing matters except sex perversion
His wiki page says that his family is Jewish. It does not say he is or isn’t.
“integrates the magisterium of the Church and of Pope Francis into economics by putting the human person and the common good at the center.”
Isn’t the magisterium of the Church and our focus supposed to be centered on Jesus?
Jesus doesn’t need economics. Also, it’s putting the magisterium at the center of economics, not economics at the center of the magisterium. Viva la difference.
The center of economics, Peggy. Like rather than profits or money or power.
He brings the Church’s teachings-those of Jesus- into the world of work and making a living and making decisions about money.
I’ve stated this before, but will reiterate for clarity. The Catholic Church (those on the adamantly pro-life side) cannot have it both ways. It cannot advocate for a zero tolerance for abortion AND a ban on birth control (an no, coitus interruptus is not effective enough, but can be a couple’s choice). Personally, I would rather see age appropriate sex education (not the “all at once” and hope the kids don’t ask questions approach, and not just the “be abstinent or get pregnant or an STD” protocol either), coupled with free birth control with a near total ban on abortion (incest, rape are exempted) than on a total ban on birth control but limitless abortions (which is the modus operandi of many countries, though quietly and clandestinely done). By doing the former, pregnancy rates go down, and thus fewer abortions. Is that not the end goal that finds cooperation and collaboration between the two sides. Regrettably, both ends try to make this argument one of I must win and you must lose. When both sides can find that compromise, both may not get everything they want but enough to be reasonably satisfied.
All you have reiterated are your Protestant beliefs that have been rejected for centuries. As the church founded by Jesus Christ Himself, the Catholic Church does not strive for compromise or reasonably satisfied, that’s you in your sinful humanity.
Catholics can never accept abortion exemptions and that you do shows again your acceptance of Protestantism. Renounce your heretical notions and allow your conscience to be informed and enlightened by Catholic moral teachings. In the meantime, keep your Protestantism off a Catholic website.
Dremel the Troll..
Coitus interruptus is a mortal sin. Contraception is a mortal sin. Abortion is a mortal sin. If you don’t want a baby, don’t have sex.
Lust is one of the seven deadly sins. You can’t help it you start to feel it but you are supposed to get out of the situation. If you are married you know that there are a lot of times that you cant even if you want to. You’ll live.
Michael Dremel, first of all, you do not have to have sex. If you have to have sex, that is called sex addiction and there is treatment for it. Second of all, if you are not married, you should not be having sex. As a male, you should not be trying to initiate (nag, beg, coerce, guilt-trip, flatter etc) a woman who is not ready for motherhood into having sex. You should be aware that every sex act can cause conception because that is what sex is. Third, you should avoid people and places that stimulate your lust, And you should avoid people and places that act as if sex is a casual encounter or something for the third date or something that is due to you if you take out the trash or buy a dinner or whatever.
Try to learn about the real purpose of sex and how to stop being part of the evil thinking of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Why are non-Catholic trolls, with long comments and anti-Catholic views, always given lots of space on a Catholic website– with no editing at all?
Well, the “Great” One named atheist poster-boy
Stephen Hawking to the P.A.S.