As good Catholics we would like to publish the speech of Pope Benedict XVI to the diplomatic corps on 11 January 2010. Good reading.
11 Gebnnaio
2010 ADDRESS TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
"The denial of God
disfigured man and created"
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
,
It gives me great joy to this traditional meeting starting the year, two weeks after the celebration of the birth of the Incarnate Word. As we proclaimed in the liturgy: "In the adorable mystery of Christmas, He, the Word made invisible, appeared visibly in our flesh, begotten before the ages began to exist in time, to accept in all creation, and lift himself from his fall" (Preface of Christmas II). At Christmas, then, we contemplated the mystery of God and of creation through the proclamation of angels to the shepherds, we received the good news of salvation of man and the renewal of the entire universe. For this reason, in his Message for World Day of Peace this year, I invited all people of good will, to whom the angels rightly promised peace, to protect creation. It is in this spirit that I am happy to greet each of you, particularly those who are present for the first time at this ceremony. Thank you very much for the good wishes that have been done by your Dean, Ambassador Alejandro Valladares Lanza, and I repeat my deep appreciation for your mission to the Holy See. Through you, I would like to extend my cordial greetings and wishes for peace and prosperity to the leaders and people of the countries which you worthily represent. My thoughts also go to all the other nations of the earth: the Successor of Peter keeps his door open to everyone and everyone wants to have relationships that contribute to the progress of the human family.
few weeks ago, have been established full diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Russian Federation: is this a cause for deep satisfaction. Similarly, the visit was very significant that I made recently the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a country that is dear to my heart, where the Church is celebrating its centuries-long presence with a Jubilee Year. In this spirit of openness, in 2009, I met many political figures from different countries, I also visited some of them and I intend in the future, wherever possible, to continue to farlo.La Church is open to all because - in God - there for others! Therefore it is involved deeply in the fortunes of mankind, that in this new year continues to be marked by the dramatic crisis that has hit the world economy and caused a serious and widespread social instability. With Encyclical "Caritas in Veritate I asked to identify the root causes of this situation: ultimately, they reside in the selfish and materialistic mentality, oblivious of the limitations inherent in every creature. Today I would like to stress that the same mentality also threatens creation. Each of us could probably cite a few examples of the damage it causes to the environment anywhere in the world. I will mention one, among many others, the recent history of Europe two decades ago when the Berlin Wall fell and the collapse of the materialistic and atheistic regimes that had dominated for several decades a part of this continent, it could not be have the great harm that an economic system without references to the truth about man had done not only to the dignity and freedom of individuals and peoples, but to nature, with pollution of soil, water and air? The denial of God demeans the human person's freedom, but also devastates creation! It follows that the integrity of creation is not responding primarily an aesthetic need, but a moral need, because it expresses the nature of a plan of love and truth that precedes us and that comes from God
Therefore, I share the growing concern caused by economic and political resistance to combating environmental degradation. These difficulties are evident even recently, during the fifteenth session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change held last December 7 to 18 in Copenhagen. I hope that in the current year, first in Bonn and later in Mexico City, it is possible to reach an agreement to address this issue effectively. The stakes are so much more important in that the very future of some nations, in particular, some island states.
should, however, that this concern and commitment to the environment should be framed in the collection of the greatest challenges facing mankind. If, in fact, wish to build true peace, how can we separate or even opposing environmental protection to that of human life, including life of the unborn? E 'in that respect the human person has for himself that his sense of responsibility towards creation. Because, as shown by S. Thomas Aquinas, man is what is most noble in the universe (cf. Summa Theologiae, I, q. 29, a. 3). Moreover, as I noted during the recent World Summit on World Food Security, "the world has enough food for all its inhabitants" (Speech of 16 November 2009, 2), provided that selfishness does not lead some to hoard the goods for everyone!
I would stress again that the safeguarding of creation calls for proper management of natural resources of countries, first of all, of the economically disadvantaged. My thoughts go to the African continent, where I had the pleasure of visiting in March, visiting Cameroon and Angola, and which were the deliberations of the recent Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The Synod Fathers noted with concern the erosion and desertification of large tracts of arable land as a result of overexploitation and pollution of the environment (see Propositio 22). In Africa, as elsewhere, it is necessary to make political and ensuring economic "forms of agricultural and industrial production of respecting creation and satisfying the basic needs of all" (Message for World Day of Peace 2010, 10).
How can we forget, then, that the struggle for access to natural resources is one of the causes of various conflicts, not least in Africa, as well as the source of an ongoing risk elsewhere? For this reason, I repeat emphatically that, to cultivate peace, we must protect creation! On the other hand, there are still large areas of land, for example in Afghanistan and in some Latin American countries, where agriculture is unfortunately still tied drug production and is a significant source of employment and income. If you want peace, we need to preserve created by the conversion of such activities. I therefore ask the international community, once again, that does not become resigned to the drug trade and the serious moral and social problems that it genera.Sì, Ladies and Gentlemen, the protection of creation is an important factor of peace and justice! Among the many challenges that it presents, one of the most serious is the increase in military spending, as well as that of maintaining and developing nuclear arsenals. This resource-intensive, which could instead be devoted to the development of peoples, especially the poorest ones. I firmly hope that the Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, scheduled for May in New York, effective decisions are taken with a view to phasing, to freeing the world from nuclear weapons. More generally, I regret that the production and export of weapons helps to perpetuate conflict and violence, as in Darfur, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Inability of the parties directly involved to escape the spiral of violence and suffering generated by these conflicts, there is the apparent powerlessness of other countries and international organizations to restore peace, not to mention the indifference almost resigned world public opinion. Do not need to insist on such conflicts as damage and degrade the environment. Finally, how can we not mention the terrorism that threatens so many innocent lives and causing a widespread sense of anxiety? On this solemn occasion, I renew the appeal I made on January 1 during the Angelus prayer to all the members of armed groups of any kind to abandon the path of violence and open their hearts to the joy of peace.
The serious violence that I just mentioned, combined with the scourges of poverty and hunger, as well as natural disasters and environmental degradation, have helped to swell the ranks of those who own the land. Faced with this exodus, I invite the civil authorities who are involved in various ways, to act with justice, solidarity and vision. I would particularly like to mention the Christians in the Middle East affected in various ways, even in the exercise of their religious freedom, they are leaving the land of their forebears, which developed the early Church. E 'to offer them support and make them feel the closeness of the brothers in faith, I have convened for next autumn, the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Middle East.
Ladies and Gentlemen, to which I have alluded only some of dimensions related to environmental concerns. However, the roots of the situation is under eyes of all are the moral and the question must be addressed in the framework of a large educational effort to promote a real change of thinking and creating new lifestyles. Of what can and wants to share in the community of believers, but if this is possible, that it must recognize the role public. Unfortunately, in some countries, especially Western ones, propagate in political and cultural, as well as in means of communication, a sense of lack of consideration, and sometimes hostility, if not scorn for religion, particularly Christian. It 'clear that, if relativism is seen as an essential element of democracy, one could conceive of secularism only in terms of exclusion or, more precisely, denying the social importance of religion. Such an approach creates conflict and division, disturbs the peace, pollutes the 'human ecology "and by refusing, on principle, approaches other than its own, it becomes a dead end. It is urgent, therefore, define a positive and open secularity, which was founded on a just autonomy of the temporal order and the spiritual, can foster healthy collaboration and a sense of shared responsibility. In this perspective, I think of Europe, With the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon began a new phase of its integration process, which the Holy See will continue to follow with respect and benevolence. Noting with satisfaction that the Treaty provides that the European Union to maintain a dialogue with the Churches "open, transparent and regular dialogue" (Article 17), I hope that in building its future, Europe will always draw on sources of its Christian identity. As I said during my apostolic visit to the Czech Republic last September, it has a unique role for the formation of the conscience of every generation and the promotion of a basic ethical consensus in the service of every person who calls this continent 'home' "(Address to the civil authorities and the diplomatic corps, September 26, 2009).
Continuing our discussion, you must remember that the problem of the environment is complex. You could say it is a multifaceted prism. The creatures are different from each other and can be protected, or, conversely, endangered, in different ways, as we know from daily experience. One such attack comes from laws or proposals which, in the name of fighting discrimination, affect the biological basis of gender difference. I refer, for example, certain countries in Europe or North America. "If you take away freedom, take away dignity," as S. Columbanus (Epist. to Attel n.4, at St. Columban work, Dublin 1957, p. 34.) However, freedom can not be absolute, since man is not God, but the image of God's creation. For humans, the way forward can not be arbitrary, or desire, but must rather, correspond to the structure intended by the Creator.
The protection of creation also involves other challenges, which can only be met through international solidarity. I think the natural disasters in the past year that have sown death, suffering and destruction in Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Taiwan. How can we forget Indonesia, and, closer to us, the region, hit by devastating earthquakes? Faced with such events should not be lacking generosity, and because the very life of God's creatures is at stake. But the protection of creation, in addition to solidarity, it also needs harmony and stability between states. When disagreements and conflicts arise among them, to defend peace must be pursued with tenacity the way of constructive dialogue. And 'what happened twenty-five years ago with the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile, which was achieved by the mediation of the Apostolic See. It has borne abundant fruits of cooperation and prosperity, which has benefited in some way, all of Latin America. In the same part of the world, are pleased by the rapprochement undertaken by Colombia and Ecuador, after several months of tension. Closer to home, I welcome the agreement concluded between Croatia and Slovenia on the arbitration agreement on their sea and land borders. I am also pleased by the agreement between Armenia and Turkey, ahead of the resumption of diplomatic relations, and I hope that through dialogue, relations between all South Caucasus countries will improve. During my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I called so pressing the Israelis and Palestinians to dialogue and to respect the rights of others. Once again I raise my voice for a universal recognition of the right of Israel to exist and to enjoy peace and security within internationally recognized borders. And, equally, have the right of the Palestinian people to a sovereign and independent homeland, to live with dignity and to be able to move freely.
I would also request the support of everyone for the protection of the identity and sacred character of Jerusalem, its religious and cultural heritage, whose value is universal. Only in this way this unique city, holy and troubled, be sign and foretaste of that peace which God desires for the whole human family! For the sake of dialogue and peace, which protect creation, I urge the leaders and citizens of Iraq to overcome their divisions and the temptation of violence and intolerance, to build together the future of their country. The Christian communities also want to give their contribution, but if this is possible, they need to be assured respect, security and freedom. Pakistan has been hard hit by violence in recent months and some episodes were directly aimed at the Christian minority. I ask that every effort is made to ensure that such attacks do not happen again and Christians will feel fully integrated into the life of their country. Of acts of violence against Christians, I must mention also the deplorable attacks in which the victims were Egyptian Coptic Community in the last few days, just when they were celebrating Christmas. Regarding Iran, I hope that through dialogue and collaboration, joint solutions, both nationally and internationally. Lebanon, which has passed a long political crisis, to continue along the path of concord. I am confident that Honduras, after a period of uncertainty and unrest, will move towards a recovery of normal political and social. And so I hope for Guinea and Madagascar, with the help of effective and impartial international community.
Ladies and Gentlemen, at the end of this quick tour d'horizon, which, due to its brevity can not dwell on all the situations but worthy of mention, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul, that "the creation groaning "and" ... we too groan inwardly "(Romans 8:22-23). There is so much suffering in our human selfishness hurts the creation in many ways. That is the expectation of salvation, which affects all creation is even more intense and present in the heart of all, believers and nonbelievers. The Church points out that the response to this aspiration is the Christ, the "firstborn of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth" (Colossians 1:15-16). Gazing on him, I urge all people of good will to work with confidence and generosity for the dignity and human freedom. May the light and the power of Jesus help us to respect the 'human ecology, environmental ecology also aware that it is of benefit, since the book of nature is one and indivisible. It 's so that we can consolidate peace, today and for generations to come. Happy New Year to all!
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