Pope's resignation: FAO Director General expresses sadness
(Vatican Radio) The Director General of the Rome based United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization, José Graziano da Silva has told Vatican Radio that he is saddened by
Pope Benedict’s announced resignation. Speaking to the Radio’s Portuguese service,
Mr. da Silva said the FAO has had received support from and collaborated well with
the Catholic Church on many projects in the developing world. He expressed his confidence
that the Pope's successor will continue the same sort of close collaboration with
the U.N. organization.
"First of all, I have received with sadness the news
of the resignation of the Holy Father (that he) no longer has the strength to guide
the destiny of the Church. However, I am also pleased with the innovative gesture
which recognizes that [another person] must assume this responsibility. We have always
had the support needed from the Church in the fight against hunger and poverty. Following
the teaching of the Church, we have developed many projects together such as "Zero
Hunger" in Brazil and those we now promote in Africa. I am sure that the new Pope
will continue this fundamental commitment against poverty and hunger. "