Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – "If you want to cultivate peace, protect the creation" is the theme for the next message for World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on 1 January 2010. As a statement from the Holy See Press Office says, the theme aims to raise awareness about the strong bond that exists in our globalized and interconnected world between protecting the creation and cultivating peace. This close and intimate tie is further accentuated by the many problems concerning man's natural environment, such as the use of resources, climate change, the application and use of biotechnology, and demographic growth. If the human family is unable to face these new challenges with a renewed sense of social justice and equity, and of international solidarity, we run the risk of sowing seeds of violence among peoples, and between current generations and those to come.
Following the precious guidelines contained in paragraphs 48 to 51 of the Encyclical 'Caritas in veritate', the papal Massage will make it clear that the protection of the environment is a challenge for all humankind. It is shared and universal duty to respect a collective asset destined for everyone, impeding any use of the various categories of beings with impunity...It is a responsibility that should mature in light of the global extent of the present ecological crisis and the consequent need to face it on a global level, as all beings depend on one another in the universal order established by the Creator.
If one seeks to cultivate peace, they should also favor a renewed awareness of interdependence that connects them to all the other inhabitants of the earth. This awareness would work to eliminate the various causes of ecological disasters and will guarantee a timely response when such disasters affect peoples and lands. Ecological questions must be faced, not just because of the dreadful prospects that environmental degradation presages; they must be translated, above all, into a strong motivation to cultivate peace. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 29/7/2009)
