(October 16, 2009) Ensuring adequate and healthy food to people is a concrete manifestation
of the right to life, which unfortunately often remains far from being fully realized,
lamented Pope Benedict XVI in a message on the occasion of this year’s World Food
Day observed on Friday. The annual day on Oct. 16th to sensitize people
in combating hunger and malnutrition worldwide, is in commemoration of the founding
of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, in 1945. The theme
of this year’s World Food Day observance was, “Achieving Food Security in Times of
Crisis.” In the message addressed to FAO Director-General, Jacques Diouf, the Holy
Father said the theme invites all to regard agricultural work as a fundamental element
in food security, and hence is an integral component of economic activity that calls
for sufficient amount of investment and resources. The goods of creation that are
limited by nature, the Pope explained, demand from us a responsible and effective
attitude towards food security, even for the coming generations. Hence “profound
solidarity and farsighted brotherhood” are needed. In order to achieve these objectives,
the Pope said, a change in lifestyle and manner of thinking are required. He hoped
that the international community and institutions will adequately and resolutely intervene
to protect the methods of cultivation typical of every area and avoid a careless use
of natural resources. The Pope particularly called for safeguarding the values of
the rural world and the fundamental rights of the tillers of the land. “Setting aside
privileges, profit and comfort, these goals can be realized for the benefit of men,
women, children, families and communities who live in the poorest regions of the planet
and who are the most vulnerable,” the Pope said.