Pope to FAO: More must be done to end scandal of starvation
(Vatican Radio) “Something more can and must be done” for the millions of people
who are “still suffering and dying of starvation”, something which is “truly scandalous”
in this day and age. Moreover, the current global crisis cannot “continue to be used
as an alibi” for people, states and institutions to shirk their responsibility in
helping the poor and hungry of the world.
This was the focus of Pope Francis
address Thursday morning to the 400 participants at the United Nations Food and Agricultural
Organization Conference.
Meeting them in the Vatican’s Clementine hall, Pope
Francis noted that the purpose of the encounter was “to share the idea that something
more can and must be done in order to provide a new stimulus to international activity
on behalf of the poor, inspired by something more than mere goodwill or, worse, promises
which all too often have not been kept”. “The crisis will not be completely over
until situations and living conditions are examined in terms of the human person and
human dignity”.
He added : “We are all aware that one of the first effects
of grave food crises – and not simply those caused by natural disasters or violent
conflicts – is the uprooting of individuals, families and communities…This is clearly
seen in the decision to dedicate the coming year to the rural family”.
Pope
Francis also mentioned the reform that the UN body is currently undertaking: “What
is demanded of FAO, its member States, and every institution of the international
community, is openness of heart”.
He concluded “: The Catholic Church, with
all her structures and institutions, is at your side in this effort, which is aimed
at building concrete solidarity”.
Below please find the official text of
Pope Francis address to the Participants in the 38th Conference
of FAO (Thursday, 20 June 2013)
Mr President, Your Excellencies, Mr
Director General, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Continuing a long
and meaningful tradition which began sixty years ago, I am pleased to receive you,
the participants in the 38th Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations. I thank President Mohammad Asef Rahimi and the representatives
of many countries and different cultures who are working together to respond in a
fitting way to the primary needs of so many of our brothers and sisters: those of
receiving their daily bread and finding a dignified place at the table.
I
greet the Director-General, Professor José Graziano da Silva, whom I had occasion
to meet at the beginning of my ministry as Bishop of Rome. On that occasion he made
it clear to me that the situation worldwide is particularly difficult, not only because
of the economic crisis but also due to problems associated with security, the great
number of continuing conflicts, climate change and the preservation of biological
diversity. All these situations demand of FAO a renewed commitment to tackling the
many problems of the agricultural sector and of all those living and working in rural
areas.
The initiatives and possible solutions are many, nor are they limited
to increasing production. It is a well-known fact that current levels of production
are sufficient, yet millions of people are still suffering and dying of starvation.
This is truly scandalous. A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from
the fruits of the earth, and not simply to close the gap between the affluent and
those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table, but above all
to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.
2. This,
I believe, is the significance of our meeting today: to share the idea that something
more can and must be done in order to provide a new stimulus to international activity
on behalf of the poor, inspired by something more than mere goodwill or, worse, promises
which all too often have not been kept. Nor can the current global crisis continue
to be used as an alibi. The crisis will not be completely over until situations and
living conditions are examined in terms of the human person and human dignity.
The
human person and human dignity risk turning into vague abstractions in the face of
issues like the use of force, war, malnutrition, marginalization, the violation of
basic liberties, and financial speculation, which presently affects the price of food,
treating it like any other merchandise and overlooking its primary function. Our
duty is to continue to insist, in the present international context, that the human
person and human dignity are not simply catchwords, but pillars for creating shared
rules and structures capable of passing beyond purely pragmatc or technical approaches
in order to eliminate divisions and to bridge existing differences. In this regard,
there is a need to oppose the shortsighted economic interests and the mentality of
power of a relative few who exclude the majority of the world’s peoples, generating
poverty and marginalization and causing a breakdown in society. There is likewise
a need to combat the corruption which creates privileges for some and injustices for
many others.
3. Our present situation, while directly linked to financial and
economic factors, is also a consequence of a crisis of convictions and values, including
those which are the basis of international life. This is a larger framework which
demands the undertaking of a conscious and sober work of rebuilding, one which also
affects FAO. Here I am thinking of the reform the Organization has initiated to ensure
a more functional, transparent and impartial operation. This is certainly something
positive, yet every authentic reform involves an increased sense of responsibility
on the part of everyone, in the realization that our individual fate is linked to
that of others. My thoughts turn to the well-known parable in the Gospel where a
Samaritan helps someone in need. He is not prompted by philanthropy or the fact that
he has money at his disposal, but by a desire to identify with the person he helps:
he wants to share his lot. Indeed, after providing for the man’s care, he announces
that he will return to inquire after his health. What is involved here is more than
mere compassion or perhaps a desire to share or to promote a reconciliation which
can overcome differences and disagreements. It is a willingness to share everything
and to decide to be Good Samaritans, instead of people who are indifferent to the
needs of others.
What is demanded of FAO, its member States, and every institution
of the international community, is openness of heart. There is a need to move beyond
indifference or a tendency to look the other way, and urgently to attend to immediate
needs, confident that the fruits of today’s work will mature in the future. To move
forward constructively and fruitfully in the different functions and responsibilities
involves the ability to analyze, understand, and engage, leaving behind the temptations
of power, wealth or self-interest and instead serving the human family, especially
the needy and those suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
We are all aware
that one of the first effects of grave food crises – and not simply those caused by
natural disasters or violent conflicts – is the uprooting of individuals, families
and communities. The separation is a painful one; it is not limited to their lands,
but extends to their entire existential and spiritual environment, threatening and
at times shattering their few certainties in life. This process, which is now taking
place worldwide, demands that international relations once more be regulated by their
underlying ethical principles and recover the authentic spirit of solidarity which
can guarantee the effectiveness of every cooperative undertaking.
4. This is
clearly seen in the decision to dedicate the coming year to the rural family. Apart
from the celebrations themselves, it is necessary to reaffirm the conviction that
every family is the principal setting for the growth of each individual, since it
is through the family that human beings become open to life and the natural need for
relationships with others. Over and over again we see that family bonds are essential
for the stability of relationships in society, for the work of education and for integral
human development, for they are inspired by love, responsible inter-generational solidarity
and mutual trust. These are factors which can make even the most adverse situations
more bearable, and bring a spirit of true fraternity to our world, enabling it to
feel as a single family, where the greatest attention is paid to those most in need.
Acknowledging
that the fight against hunger entails the pursuit of dialogue and fraternity means
for FAO that its contribution to negotiations between States, giving new impulse to
the decision-making processes, must be marked by the promotion of the culture of encounter
and of solidarity. But this also calls for willingness on the part of the member
States, a complete knowledge of particular situations, suitable preparation, and ideas
which take into account every individual and every community. Only thus will it be
possible to combine the thirst for justice experienced by billions of people with
the concrete realities of today’s world.
The Catholic Church, with all her
structures and institutions, is at your side in this effort, which is aimed at building
concrete solidarity, and the Holy See follows with interest and encourages the initiatives
and activities undertaken by FAO. I thank you for this opportunity to meet you, and
I bless the work which you carry out daily in the service of the least of our brothers
and sisters.