Pope’s message to workshop on mining industry

September 09, 2013 - Pope Francis has sent his blessing to an international conference on mining that took place in Rome on Saturday, wishing that those engaged in the industry be guided by moral principles which seek the good of all parties in the sector, especially miners and their families, and including the environment. About 40 executives from some of the world’s leading mining firms participated in the day-long meeting sponsored by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, examining environmental and social questions from the moral and ethical point of view. Writing on behalf of the Pope, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sent a message to Council president, Cardinal Peter Turkson, hoping the meeting will be able to offer a constant positive contribution to integral human development. The Pope noted the mining sector has ecological and social consequences which go well beyond national borders and pass from one generation to the next. He urged that workers and their families be assured of all their economic and social rights, in full accordance with international norms and that extraction activities respect international standards for the protection of the environment.