Much as I love ISI, as a Presbyterian one is sometimes a little irritated by the number of sly digs at one's Puritan forebears in particular and Protestants in general. No doubt there's a charge to answer in terms of individualism etc. but there is also a Conservative charge to answer by the Catholics in terms of a disposition towards universalism and, dare one say it, even totalitarianism. On that basis and in the interests of balance, what do you make of of Pope Ratzinger's call for 'a true world political authority...to be vested with the effective power to ensure security for all, regard for justice and respect for rights.'?

I was surprised to see no one has responded...

First, totalitarianism implies, by definition, the principle of complete and unrestricted power in government.

The Pope speaks of an authority which "would need to be regulated by law, to observe consistently the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, to seek to establish the common good."

The Principle of Subsidiarity

"The same principle of subsidiarity which governs the relations between public authorities and individuals, families and intermediate societies in a single State, must also apply to the relations between the public authority of the world community and the public authorities of each political community. The special function of this universal authority must be to evaluate and find a solution to economic, social, political and cultural problems which affect the universal common good. These are problems which, because of their extreme gravity, vastness and urgency, must be considered too difficult for the rulers of individual States to solve with any degree of success.

But it is no part of the duty of universal authority to limit the sphere of action of the public authority of individual States, or to arrogate any of their functions to itself. On the contrary, its essential purpose is to create world conditions in which the public authorities of each nation, its citizens and intermediate groups, can carry out their tasks, fullfill their duties and claim their rights with greater security."

" A particular manifestation of charity and a guiding criterion for fraternal cooperation between believers and non-believers is undoubtedly the principle of subsidiarity, an expression of inalienable human freedom. Subsidiarity is first and foremost a form of assistance to the human person via the autonomy of intermediate bodies."

SUBSIDIARITY AND SOLIDARITY

"We must bear in mind that of its very nature civil authority exists, not to confine men within the frontiers of their own nations, but primarily to protect the common good of the State, which certainly cannot be divorced from the common good of the entire human family

Thus, in pursuing their own interests, civil societies, far from causing injury to others, must join plans and forces whenever the efforts of particular States cannot achieve the desired goal. But in doing so great care must be taken. What is beneficial to some States may prove detrimental rather than advantageous to others."

"Subsidiarity is first and foremost a form of assistance to the human person via the autonomy of intermediate bodies. Such assistance is offered when individuals or groups are unable to accomplish something on their own, and it is always designed to achieve their emancipation, because it fosters freedom and participation through assumption of responsibility."