VATICAN CITY - The industrialized countries must admit their historic responsibility in the environmental crisis, abandon a purely consumer-oriented mentality and adopt more sober lifestyles, says Pope Benedict XVI in his annual message of peace.
In his annual message of peace, Pope Benedict XVI calls on the industrialized countries to admit their historic responsibility in the environmental crisis, to abandon a mentality purely turned towards consumption and to adopt more sober lifestyles. (Reuters / Tony Gentile)
In his annual message of peace, Pope Benedict XVI calls on the industrialized countries to admit their historic responsibility in the environmental crisis, to abandon a mentality purely turned towards consumption and to adopt more sober lifestyles. (Reuters / Tony Gentile)
This text, addressed to heads of state and international institutions, traditionally serves as preparation for the World Day of Peace celebrated on January 1 by the Catholic Church.
But this year it takes on particular significance in the middle of the Copenhagen climate conference, faced, says the Pope, "with the growing manifestations of a crisis that it would be irresponsible not to take seriously into consideration".
In this message entitled "if you want to build peace, protect creation", Benedict XVI considers "important to recognize, among the causes of the current ecological crisis, the historical responsibility of the industrialized countries".
While he notes that developing countries are "not exempt from their own responsibility for creation" and have a duty to adopt effective environmental measures, Benedict XVI focuses most of his criticism on the rich countries.
Referring to the issue of energy resources, the Pope considers "it necessary for technologically advanced societies to be prepared to promote more sober behavior, reducing their own energy needs and improving the conditions for its use".
MORAL CRISES
Environmental issues, Benedict XVI stresses, have too often been relegated to the background under the pressure of "myopic economic interests", adding that governments and the international community have a moral duty to address the "good ones". signals ".
"Humanity needs a profound cultural renewal; it needs to rediscover the values which constitute the solid foundation on which to build a better future for all", insists the head of the Catholic Church.
"The crisis situations that it is currently going through - of an economic, food, environmental or social nature - are, fundamentally, also moral crises linked to each other."
Finally, the Pope calls on individuals, judging that "the theme of environmental degradation calls into question the behavior of each of us, the styles of life and the models of consumption and production currently dominant", and wishes more sobriety and solidarity.
"Unfortunately, it must be seen that a multitude of people, in various countries and regions of the planet, are experiencing ever greater difficulties due to the negligence or refusal of many to take responsible care of the environment."
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