The New Religion: Pope Benedict XVI: we must all go green to save the planet
Pastor Dale Morgan
The New Religion: Pope Benedict XVI: we must all go green to save the
planet*
Pope Benedict XVI used his traditional New Year address to call for a
united effort to safeguard the future of the planet.
Published: 6:41PM GMT 02 Jan 2010
ROME - Pope Benedict XVI said people needed to change how they live
their lives, We must all unite together in a sustained world effort to
save the planet and called for "ecological responsibility" to be taught
in all the schools.
The Pope said individuals and families of the world must band together
as they have as important a role to play in preserving the environment
as governments meeting at international summits such as the United
Nations climate conference in Copenhagen last month.
He told thousands of faithful who had gathered in St Peter's Square that
environmental responsibility was essential for global peace.
"I would like to underline the importance of the choices of individuals,
families and local administrations in preserving the environment.
"An objective shared by all, an indispensable condition for peace, is
that of overseeing the earth's natural resources with justice and
wisdom," he said.
Calling for an end to war and in particular the suffering of children,
the 82-year-old, German-born pontiff said there was "a close link"
between respect for mankind and respect for nature.
"If humanity shames itself, it damages its environment", Benedict said.
He appealed for "investment in education with the objective not only to
transmit technical and scientific concepts, but also a broader and
deeper 'ecological responsibility' based on respect for humanity, human
rights and fundamental duties".
The Pope has built on the legacy of his predecessor, John Paul II, in
putting the environment high on the Vatican's agenda.
Last month, in a message sent to heads of state and international
organisations, Benedict called on rich nations to acknowledge
responsibility for the environmental crisis and to rein in consumerism.
He gave his address a week after a 25-year-old woman with a history of
mental problems knocked him to the ground during Christmas Eve mass.
He was unhurt in the fall and has kept up his busy holiday schedule.