Pope Calls On Humanity To Live in Peace With Environment

Pope Benedict XVI has called on humanity to protect the environment in his annual World Day of Peace message. In his address at the Vatican, the Pontiff has linked peace with the natural environment to peace among nations.

In his sermon, titled "If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation," Benedict XVI was reported by CNN as saying:

Respect for creation is of immense consequence, not least because creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God's works, and its preservation has now become essential for the pacific coexistence of mankind.

The 82-year-old Pope Benedict warned of the dangers of an ecological crisis to the stability and peace of the world:

Can we remain impassive in the face of actual and potential conflicts involving access to natural resources? All these are issues with a profound impact on the exercise of human rights, such as the right to life, food, health and development.

Pope Benedict urged a less lavish lifestyle for the developed nations:

Technologically advanced societies must be prepared to encourage more sober lifestyles, while reducing their energy consumption and improving its efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald reported the Pope also called on people to improve race relations, along with heightened ecological awareness. Benedict XVI told the diplomatic corps in the Vatican City:

Respect others, regardless of their skin colour, nationality, language, religion, even very young, it is important to be taught to respect others, even when they are different to us.

The Pontiff pointed out the trend of different races and nationalities sharing the same classrooms. He said:

Their faces represent the prophecy of humanity that we are invited to develop: a family of families and peoples.

Benedict XVI added about the perceived “other,” who he said was:

A brother within humanity, not a rival nor an enemy.

As is customary in his New Year’s Address, the Pope called for peace among nations.