Pope Francis condemned the spending on weapons, greed and inequality that cause world hunger, reported Aleteia.org.
„There is already enough food to feed all the people on our planet”, reminded Pope Francis in a message read by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to the participants of the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
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„In the context of a globalized world facing multiple interrelated challenges, it is essential to recognize the significant pressures currently being exerted on the international system. These pressures take many forms, including the escalation of wars and conflicts, terrorist activities, assertive foreign policies and acts of aggression, and perpetuation of injustices. It is therefore of the utmost importance that the Group of 20 find new ways to achieve a stable and lasting peace in all areas of conflict in order to restore the dignity of the people involved in the conflict,” read the message quoted by Vaticannews.va.
„The armed conflicts we are currently witnessing – condemns Francis – not only are they responsible for a significant number of deaths, mass displacement and environmental degradation, but they also contribute to increasing hunger and poverty, both directly in the affected areas and indirectly in countries that are hundreds or thousands of kilometers away areas of conflict, especially by disrupting supply chains. Wars continue to exert considerable pressure on national economies, particularly through excessive amounts of money spent on arms and armaments.
The Pope then turns to the subject of hunger. “The tacit acceptance of hunger by human society is a scandalous injustice. Those who cause starvation and death to their brothers and sisters in the human family are indirectly committing imputable murder. No effort should be spared to lift people out of poverty and hunger. It is important to keep in mind that the problem of hunger is not simply a matter of not having enough food; rather, it is a consequence of wider social and economic injustices. Poverty, in particular, contributes significantly to hunger, perpetuating a cycle of economic and social inequality that is pervasive in our global society. The relationship between hunger and poverty is inextricably linked. It is therefore clear that immediate and decisive action must be taken to eradicate the scourge of hunger and poverty.
Finally, Francis again urges “that the funds currently allocated for weapons and other military expenses be redirected to a global fund designed to address hunger and promote development in the poorest countries. This approach would help prevent citizens of these countries from being forced to resort to violent or illusory solutions or to leave their countries in search of a more dignified life.