Workshop Highlights Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Contributions to Modern Social Sciences

Our sources reported that Pope Francis, in a letter communicated to the attendees of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences workshop, expressed the significance of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s work in the contemporary field of social sciences and ethics.

Aquinas’s Influence on Modern Social Disciplines

The workshop touted ‘Aquinas’ Social Ontology and Natural Law in Perspective’ and drew attention to the considerable contributions made by Aquinas. Despite not directly participating in these areas during his era, he is viewed as a trailblazer for modern social studies. Pope Francis emphasized Aquinas’s faith in a harmonious coexistence between divine truth and logic, with special emphasis on his work revolving around justice, morality, and legal considerations.

Aquinas’s Perspective on Human Dignity and Natural Law

Pope Francis highlighted Aquinas’s perspective on human dignity, natural law, and the human capability for distinguishing righteous actions from sinful ones, and inherent good from evil. He suggested that these principles are crucial to defining present-day social thought and policies that encourage true human growth and prosperity.

The Notion of Charity from Aquinas’s Ideologies

Additionally, Pope Francis made a connection between Aquinas’s principles and the Christian ideology of charity. He added a personal touch by recounting his papal efforts to personify Christian love through actions such as foot-washing, a gesture that signifies the Beatitudes and acts of mercy.

Aquinas’s Modernity in Understanding Human Tendencies

Pope Francis also brought to light how modern Aquinas’s views were in acknowledging the natural human inclinations towards the recognition of God and the importance of societal living.