Pope Francis announced that the silent acceptance of famine by human society is a blatant injustice and a great crime. He added that those who cause the famine and death of their brothers and sisters in the human family, due to usury and greed, are committing indirect murder.
In a message to the G20 Summit held over two days in Brazil, the Pope stated that it is very concerning that society has not found a way to address the issue of those suffering from famine. He emphasized that no effort should be spared to lift people out of poverty and hunger.
Stable and Continuous Peace
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of the Vatican, read the Pope's message at the summit that brings together leaders of the world's 20 largest economies. The Holy Father expressed his hope that the conclusions of these meetings would lead to a better world and a prosperous future for future generations.
He stressed the importance of addressing the pressing issues facing the global system today, such as wars, conflicts, terrorism, aggressive foreign policies, aggression, and injustice. He called on the G20 to work towards stable and continuous peace in conflict-marked areas. Pope Francis explained that current conflicts lead to the death of large numbers of people, mass migration, and environmental degradation. They also lead to increased famines and poverty in the affected areas and even in distant countries as supply chains are impacted. Wars also put pressure on national economies due to the amount of money allocated for armaments.
Social and Economic Injustice and Famine
The Pope also stated that the cause of famine is not just the lack of food but social and economic injustice such as poverty. He called for direct and decisive steps to eradicate the scourges of hunger and poverty. He requested coordination between governments, international organizations, and communities to ensure the success of this endeavor. He pointed out that there is enough food worldwide, and its distribution needs to be managed. He urged them to work on a long-term vision and strategy to combat this issue.
The Pope highlighted that the Holy See is asking for funds allocated for armaments and military actions to be redirected to address the issue of hunger and promote the growth of the poorest countries. He called for the preservation of local communities, cultures, and traditions while working on growth to avoid "ideological colonization.
In conclusion, Pope Francis affirmed that the Holy See will continue to promote human dignity and work for the common good. He also mentioned that the Holy See will offer the expertise and commitment of Catholic institutions worldwide to ensure that no human being on earth is deprived of their daily bread.