Pope Benedict XVI is calling for "profound reform" of the world economy following last week's G20 summit in Seoul and the APEC Summit in Japan that proposed a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.
The pontiff says he is concerned the current economic crisis will tempt richer nations to forge alliances at the expense of poorer ones. Addressing the faithful from his study window overlooking Saint Peter's Square, he spoke of what he believes is wrong with the world's economy and how nations might emerge from the crisis.
The pope said the current economic crisis, addressed by the meeting of the G20, has to be taken with great seriousness. He added that the crisis has numerous causes, sending a strong call for a profound reform of the global economic development model.
The pope also called for a revival of farming to help the victims of the global economic crisis. He said a strategic revival of agriculture appears crucial. He added that the moment has come for a re-evaluation of agriculture, not in a nostalgic sense, but as an indispensable resource for the future.
Pope Benedict also warned that despite the economic crisis, long-industrialized countries are promoting lifestyles that are dominated by unsustainable consumerism.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church called for a new equilibrium between agriculture, industry and services so that development can be sustainable.
Pope Benedict also called on the international community to send more aid to Haiti. The pope said his thoughts are with the people of Haiti, who because of a terrible earthquake in January are now suffering from a cholera epidemic. He appealed to the international community to generously help those affected.
Pope Benedict Calls for ‘Profound Reform’ of World Economy
