(July 13, 2009) "The absolutism of technology, which finds its clearest expression
in certain practices contrary to life”, could "draw dark scenarios for the future
of humanity," warned Pope Benedict on Sunday. Speaking prior to the recitation of
his weekly midday “Angelus’ prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff urged people
to watch out against a development that is only concerned with technological progress,
bringing with it the manipulation of embryos, abortion, euthanasia, sterilization,
birth control under the pretext of wanting to promote human development. He reiterated
the views expressed in his recently published social encyclical, Caritas in Veritate,
“Charity in Truth”. "Acts that do not respect the true dignity of the person,” said
the Pope, “even when they seem motivated by a 'choice of love', in reality are the
result of a 'material and mechanistic conception of human life', which reduces' love
without truth to ‘an empty shell to fill arbitrarily' and can thus result in adverse
effects in integral human development, " the Pope told a large crowd gathered below
his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. He recalled the importance of
the just concluded G8 summit, but above all he stressed that "there are social inequalities
and structural inequities in the world that are no longer tolerable, which require,
in addition to immediate action, a coordinated strategy to find durable solutions."
" Anew economic plan” is required “that redesigns development in a holistic way, building
on the foundation of ethical responsibility before God and man as a creature of God,"
the Pope added. After praying the “Angelus”, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his "deep
concern about events in Honduras”, where there was a coup, by the military and the
courts, deposing President Manuel Zelaya, who is attempting to return from imposed
exile by every available means. The Holy Father called for patient dialogue, mutual
understanding and reconciliation between the supporters and opponents of the ousted
president, in order to create conditions to "ensure peaceful coexistence and authentic
democratic life" in the overwhelmingly Catholic Central American country. The interim
government, installed by Congress after the widely unpopular Zelaya was ousted in
a coup last month, accuses Zelaya of contravening the constitution and trying to extend
his rule illegally. Before imparting his final blessing, the Holy Father bade farewell
to St. Peter's Square and the city of Rome before setting out on his annual vacation.
On Monday the Pope moved to Les Combes, a village in Italy's north-western Alps for
two weeks of rest. This is his third vacation at Les Combes since his election as
pope in 2005. At Sunday’s “Angelus”, the Pope called on everyone to accompany him
with prayers. “Prayer,” he said, “knows no distance and separation: wherever we are,
it makes us one heart and one mind." He also urged all travellers going on holidays
to be prudent in driving and to respect highway laws. During his July 13-29 vacation
the Pope’s Wednesday General audiences as well as private audiences will be suspended.
After his stay in the Alps, the Pope will go directly to the papal summer villa at
Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, until late September.