Reforming unjust structures

Other nations need to reform certain unjust structures, and in particular their political institutions, in order to replace corrupt, dictatorial and authoritarian forms of government by democratic and participatory ones. This is a process which we hope will spread and grow stronger. For the "health" of a political community-as expressed in the free and responsible participation of all citizens in public affairs, in the rule of law and in respect for the promotion of human rights-is the necessary condition and sure guarantee of the development of "the whole individual and of all people." (Papal Encyclical, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 30 December 1987).