Pope Benedict has called for “profound reform” of the world economy
following last week’s G20 summit in Seoul and the APEC Summit in Japan
that proposed a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.
The pontiff says he is concerned the current economic crisis will
tempt richer nations to forge alliances at the expense of poorer ones,
VOA News reports.
Addressing the faithful from his study window overlooking Saint
Peter’s Square, he spoke of what he believes is wrong with the world’s
economy and how nations might emerge from the crisis.
The pope said the current economic crisis, addressed by the meeting
of the G20, has to be taken with great seriousness. He added that the
crisis has numerous causes, sending a strong call for a profound reform
of the global economic development model.
The pope also called for a revival of farming to help the victims of
the global economic crisis.
He said a strategic revival of agriculture
appears crucial. He added that the moment has come for a re-evaluation
of agriculture, not in a nostalgic sense, but as an indispensable
resource for the future.
Pope Benedict also warned that despite the economic crisis,
long-industrialized countries are promoting lifestyles that are
dominated by unsustainable consumerism.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church called for a new equilibrium
between agriculture, industry and services so that development can be
sustainable.
Pope Benedict also called on the international community to send more
aid to Haiti.
The pope said his thoughts are with the people of Haiti,
who because of a terrible earthquake in January are now suffering from a
cholera epidemic.
He appealed to the international community to
generously help those affected.
SIC: CTH/ASIA