Pope urges rich nations’ solidarity for poor nations in current economic crisis

(May 29, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday urged the rich nations of the world for an extra show of brotherhood, solidarity and generosity towards poor nations who are severely affected by the current global financial crisis, saying it is hurting the most vulnerable in society. The Pope made the exhortation while welcoming to the Vatican a group of eight new ambassadors to the Holy See, among them Ms. Chitra Narayanan of India, the 56-year old daughter of former Indian president, K.R. Narayanan. Others in the group were from Mongolia, Benin, New Zealand, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Namibia and Norway. Besides handing each an individual message, Pope Benedict delivered a common message to all the eight. He said often glaring injustices between nations or within them, that helps create divisions between peoples or marginalize them, are dangerous breaches of peace and create a serious risk of conflict. One of the most important ways of building peace, the Pope said, is by building a strong sense of global solidarity between rich and poor countries, as well as within individual countries, including affluent ones. Pope Benedict observed that disparities caused by unjust systems have become even more glaring because of the financial crisis and economic situation that is spreading through different channels in the low-income countries. He warned that this crisis can blow up into a human catastrophe for people in poor nations and is a threat to peace. He commended the nations who despite the current economic crisis have decided to in crease aid to countries most at risk. Pope Benedict also expressed alarm over the increase, in recent years, of the use of the name of God to justify violence and said religious leaders have a duty to lead their faithful and enlighten them so they can grow in holiness and truly interpret the word of God. He expressed his conviction regarding the “irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to – among other things – the creation of a basic ethical consensus in society.”