Pope’s annual address to diplomatic corps

“If we wish to build true peace, how can we separate or even set at odds the protection of the environment and the protection of human life, including the life of the unborn? It is in man’s respect for himself that his sense of responsibility for creation is shown.” This was the heart of the message that Pope Benedict XVI delivered on Monday to the ambassadors accredited to the Holy See. In the annual meeting to exchange New Year greetings with the diplomats, the Pope reflects on crucial issues affecting the world. In a 25-minute speech in French that touched almost every trouble spot and calamity around the globe, Pope Benedict pointed out that the dramatic crisis of the global economy and the resulting social instability are caused by man’s self-centred and materialistic way of thinking which also endangers creation. In Africa, he called for appropriate management of the natural resources to fight erosion, desertification, overexploitation and environmental pollution, keeping in mind the needs of the economically disadvantaged. Noting that the struggle for access to natural resources is one of the causes of a number of conflicts, the Pope stressed that the cultivation of peace calls for the protection of the creation. In Latin America and Afghanistan he urged for the creation of adequate sources of employment and income for farmers to stem the production of narcotics and the resulting drug trade and social problems. Stating that the protection of creation is an important element of peace and justice, the Pope lamented increased military spending and the development of nuclear arsenals. Instead these enormous resources could be spent on the development of peoples, especially the poorest. Poverty, hunger, natural disasters and the destruction of the environment, the Pope observed, have helped swell the ranks of migrants fleeing their native land. In this regard he particularly drew attention to the situation of Christians in the Middle East, whose situation will be the focus of a special synod of bishops which the Pope has convoked in Rome in October this year. Recalling the natural disasters in Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan and Indonesia, Pope Benedict urged for generous aid saying the life of God’s creatures is at stake. While calling for the recognition of the rights of the Israeli and Palestinian people and their respective right to statehood, the Pope also called for the protection of the identity and sacred character of Jerusalem and of its cultural and religious heritage. The Holy Father also drew attention to Pakistan that has been also hard hit by violence in recent months and certain episodes were directly aimed at the Christian minority. “I ask that everything be done to avoid the reoccurrence of such acts of aggression, and to ensure that Christians may feel fully a part of the life of their country.” Pope Benedict also condemned last week’s attack on Egypt’s Coptic community while they marked Christmas.