In a letter to Argentine businessmen sent by the Pope, he called to promote “the culture of encounter” through dialogue and collaboration.
The letter was read this Tuesday at the opening of the 26th Annual Meeting of ACDE (Christian Association of Business Leaders), which takes place in Buenos Aires with the motto “Lead to serve the common good.”
In this edition, the sessions focus on testimonials that move business leaders who base their work on Christian values to action.
Within this framework, the Holy Father especially asked businessmen and women in Argentina to promote “the culture of encounter, through dialogue, networking and collaboration between the different undertakings that are carried out”.
The purpose is that “they can navigate the sea of the world and face the challenges, having the Word of God as a compass and hope as an anchor,” Francis encouraged.
The Pontiff also sent his apostolic blessing to professionals, business leaders, trade unions and social organizations that participate in the event.
Finally, he summoned them to “address the different issues that concern the workplace in a climate of fraternity and social friendship, in the light of the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church.”
The first day featured a panel whose debate focused on promoting service leadership to build more just societies, and another entitled “Education in the present, work in the future.”
This year, the objective is to reflect on a change in attitude so that those in leadership positions can together seek answers to the crossroads posed by the social reality in Argentina.
“The country requires honest entrepreneurs who display their potential in the community, to create the conditions to create jobs and attract investment,” the organizers say.
The second and last day began with a reflection by Fr. Daniel Díaz, ACDE’s spiritual adviser, entitled “Argentina 2023: What hurts us as Christian business leaders?”
Among the topics discussed were the opportunities for the training of new generations from the business world; leaders as protagonists of change and business commitment; and innovation at the service of the common good.