Holy See affirms true solidarity with the poor, at Rio+20

June 23, 2012: Carindal Odilo Pedro Scherer, special envoy of the Holy See to the United Nations Conference on sustainable development termed the Conference as a ‘timely gathering of representatives of the international community’ at the significant juncture in human history. On Friday at Rio+20 he said that ‘now is the opportune time to address the many threats to the human family and its earthly home posed by the persisting injustice of hunger, poverty and underdevelopment.

The Holy See, the Cardinal said, firmly believed that it is an occasion to set aside partisan self-interest and protectionism in favour of a true solidarity with the poor. This is the time to commit ourselves to a more just distribution of the abundant goods of this world and to pursue a more integral development which corresponds to the dignity of every human being.

At the centre of sustainable development, is the Principle that affirms that ‘each individual human life, from conception until natural death, is of equal value and dignity’. Any new model of development, such as the "green economy," must be anchored in and permeated such principles which are the basis for the effective promotion of human dignity. The unique and fundamental role of the family deserves special mention here because education and development begins in the family, he added.

The right to water, the right to food, the right to health and the right to education are intrinsically linked to the right to life and to the right to development. Therefore, we must be bold in affirming them, and equally resolved to safeguard the evident reality that these rights are at the service of the human person.

The ongoing economic and financial crisis has risked undermining the great progress made in recent decades in technological and scientific development. Engaging such problems honestly and courageously will challenge the international community to a renewed and deepened reflection on the meaning of the economy and its purposes, as well as a renewal of models of development. This examination must include not merely the economic or ecological state of health of the planet, but must also require taking stock of the moral and cultural crisis, the symptoms of which are now evident in all parts of the world. The Holy See stressed the importance of moving from a merely technological model of development to an integrally human model.

It is people who are charged with stewardship over nature. This requires of us a duty towards future generations who will inherit the consequences of our decisions. Rio+20 provides an opportunity for governments to come together to help chart a course for advancing development for all people., he added.