The meeting began on 6 March with a public conference at the Pontifical Gregorian University, at which the keynote speaker was the Nobel prizewinner, Professor Gary Becker of the University of Chicago. At the conclusion of their working meeting on 9 March, the participants made the following recommendations. The family is a stable and lasting union, based on marriage between a man and a woman, and open to life and the raising of children. Throughout human history, this natural institution has played an essential role in the economy at all levels.
Every person represents the creative potential which is the real wealth of nations.
This human capital is estimated by some to make up 80 per cent of the capital of modern nations. The creative potential of people ensures the future of the economy and of society as a whole. Through the mutual commitment of marriage, by having, raising and educating children, the family is both the producer of human capital and its first invester. The family is thus the key to a healthy society and its economy. If the family flourishes, society will be sound.