Current crises calls for ethical and legal norms, says top Vatican official

(Dec.02,2008):- “The current financial crises calls for respect for ethical and legal norms. We need to build a world in which, human life is placed at the center of all social and economic activites ” said Vatican’s top official. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Vatican’s Permanent Observer at the United Nations made the statement on Monday at an “ International Conference for financing for Development” in Doha, Qatar.
Recalling the Conference held 6 years ago in Monterrey, Mexico, to address the needs of the world’s poorest, when the world was reeling from the terrorist attacks of September 11, Archbishop Migliore said - “Today we meet in Doha with a cloud again hanging over our heads - the anxiety over the economic and political consequences of an unprecedented financial crises, and the persistent presence of terrorism, as evidenced by the tragic events in Mumbai, India. “This crises presents an enormous challenge in finding ways to address the lessons learned and to create ways and means to address the concerns of those most in need” said Archbishop Migliore. The prelate told the Conference that began Nov. 29 and concluded on Tuesday (Dec 2,) that Global development is at its heart not only of technical logistics, but more fundamentally of morality. Social and economic development must be measured and implemented with the human person at the center of all decisions”, he stressed. He noted that many questions remain like –how many people don’t have access to food; how many live with fear of, and oppression; how many do not have access to even basic healthcare, and how many lack decent employment to provide a living wage for themselves and their families.
Archbishop Migliore urged the international community to give greater respect for the voices of those countries and individuals most in need of financial assistance. He called for the prudent use of the environment, and restraint from seeking short term financial gain at the expense of sustainable development. By embracing these fundamental principles we will help to create a world in which social, economic and spiritual growth is accessible to all, concluded Archbishop Migliore.