Pope pledges church's support for U.N. effort to fight hunger

Published: 2003-10-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II pledged the support of the Catholic Church for the U.N. "International Alliance Against Hunger," saying a lack of food resources contributes to world tensions and violates the God-given dignity of millions of human beings. Hunger and the tensions it causes "can only be overcome by rapid and effective interventions brought about by a common will and joint efforts," the pope said. In his message for the Oct. 16 celebration of World Food Day, an event sponsored by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the pope said the world is a "family of nations" that should be committed to promoting the good of all its members. "Without overlooking other parts of the world, my thoughts go especially to Africa, where the situation continues to be quite alarming," the pope wrote.

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