PRESENTATION

The intent of the present document Towards a Better Distribution of Land: the Challenge of Agrarian Reform is to increase and quicken awareness of the dramatic human, social and ethical problems caused by the phenomenon of the concentration and misappropriation of land. These problems affect the dignity of millions of persons and deprive the world of the possibility of peace.

Because such situations are characterized by countless unacceptable injustices, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace is offering this document for reflection and guidance in answer to a twofold request: that of the poor themselves and that of their pastors. They have asked that something be said, with evangelical courage, about the scandalous situations of property and land use, present on almost all continents.

Drawing its inspiration from the rich patrimony of the social doctrine of the Church, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace considers it a pressing duty to remind all, above all those with political and economic responsibilities, to undertake appropriate agrarian reforms in order to set in motion a period of growth and development.

There is not a moment to lose. The Great Jubilee of the year 2000, proclaimed by the Holy Father John Paul II in remembrance of our only Saviour, Jesus Christ, is a challenging call to conversion, including in the social and political fields, that will re-establish the right of the poor and marginalized to enjoy the use of the land and its goods that the Lord has given to all and to each one of his sons and daughters.