Pope says living in moderation brings about just global development

Published: 2008-01-07

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The only way to bring about just and sustainable development in the world is to live in moderation and fix the vast inequities in the distribution of wealth, Pope Benedict XVI said. "One cannot say that globalization is synonymous with world order; it's anything but" that, he said. "Conflicts for economic supremacy and the hoarding of energy and water resources and raw materials make it all the more difficult for those who strive on every level to build a just and supportive world," Pope Benedict said. The pope made the remarks at a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Jan. 6 on the feast of the Epiphany, which marks the manifestation of Jesus as savior to the world. In his homily, the pope said people need hope in something greater than themselves, which would also lead them to "prefer the common good of all people (as opposed) to abundance for the few and misery for many." This great hope only can be in God who showed his human face with the birth of Christ, he said.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .