Church's attitude to capitalism
His Holiness here recalled words he used in his Christmas message of 1942: " Moved always by religious motives. the Church has condemned the various systems of Marxian Socialism and condemns them today, for it is her abiding duty and right to save men from trends and influences that jeopardise their eternal salvation.
" But the Church cannot be unaware of the fact that the worker, in his efforts to improve his condition, clashes with a certain system which, far from being in conformity with nature, is opposed to God's order and the purpose He had in creating the goods of the earth.
" How false, how dangerous and to he condemned are the methods followed. What man. and especially what priest or Christian, could remain deaf to the cries that rise from the depths and call for a spirit of brotherly collaboration in a world ruled by a just God? "
Another thunderous cheer rose when His Holiness said:
" Dear sons and daughters . . tell us openly. under the free sky of Rome, will you know how to recognise, amid so many discordant and alluring voices addressed to you from different quarters, some to ensnare your souls, some to debase you as men or to defraud you of your legitimate rights as workers—will you know who is and always will be your sure guide, your faithful protector; who is your true father " The immense gathering interrupted His Holiness with a great cry and acclamation : " The Pope! The Pope! "