“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.