Pope Francis says more must be done to end scandal of starvation
June 21, 2013 ·
Speech of Pope France on world huger,.
More must be done to end scandal of starvation (Vatican Radio via CNUA) “Something more can and must be done” for the millions of people who are “still suffering and dying of starvation”, something which is “truly scandalous” in this day and age. Moreover, the current global crisis cannot “continue to be used as an alibi” for people, states and institutions to shirk their responsibility in helping the poor and hungry of the world.
This was the focus of Pope Francis address Thursday morning to the 400 participants at the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization Conference. Meeting them in the Vatican¹s Clementine hall, Pope Francis noted that the purpose of the encounter was “to share the idea that something more can and must be done in order to provide a new stimulus to international activity on behalf of the poor, inspired by something more than mere goodwill or, worse, promises which all too often have not been kept”. “The crisis will not be completely over until situations and living conditions are examined in terms of the human person and human dignity”. ………….…………The initiatives and possible solutions are many, nor are they limited to increasing production. It is a well-known fact that current levels of production are sufficient, yet millions of people are still suffering and dying of starvation. This is truly scandalous. A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply to close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.Å@………… In this regard, there is a need to oppose the shortsighted economic interests and the mentality of power of a relative few who exclude the majority of the world¹s peoples, generating poverty and marginalization and causing a breakdown in society. There is likewise a need to combat the corruption which creates privileges for some and injustices for many others.Å@
