(October 23, 2010) We have the means to end worldwide poverty, says the Holy See
delegate to the United Nations, but the question is whether we have the will to accomplish
it. Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, permanent observer of the Holy See at the United
Nations, stated this Thursday before the U.N. General Assembly in a meeting on eradication
of poverty and other development issues. "Whatever the form it takes, poverty is
an insult to our common humanity that so many people around the world continue to
suffer," the prelate said. He noted that "poverty is a reality even in so-called
affluent societies, and not just in economically poorer countries." The archbishop
observed: "Poverty profoundly affects the dignity of the human person. The human person
deprived of the basic conditions to live decently, is humiliated, and must therefore
be helped to recover." "My delegation cannot ignore the moral implications of poverty,"
he stated. "It affects mainly those who are not capable of a decent livelihood, especially
the most affected being children, the disabled, the elderly, and women," Archbishop
Chullikatt pointed out. "In fact, almost half of those living in absolute poverty
today are children." The prelate reported that "64 million more people are now estimated
to be living in extreme poverty in 2010 while some 40 million more went hungry last
year because of the food, fuel, and financial crises." He stressed that now, more
than ever, is the time to recommit efforts towards such poverty eradication. The
archbishop asserted that "eradication of poverty should not be considered as an act
of charity but rather as an obligation of the international community."