Benedict XVI

1
Benedict XVI

• All this means that humanity, if it truly desires
  peace, must be increasingly conscious of the
  links between natural ecology, or respect for
  nature, and human ecology. Experience shows that
  disregard for the environment always harms human
  coexistence, and vice versa. It becomes more and
  more evident that there is an inseparable link
  between peace with creation and peace among men.
  Both of these presuppose peace with God. (WPDM
  2007)

2

• The promotion of sustainable development and
  particular attention to climate change are indeed
  matters of grave importance for the entire human
  family, and no nation or business sector should
  ignore them. As scientific research demonstrates
  the worldwide effects that human actions can have
  on the environment, the complexity of the vital
  relationship between the ecology of the human
  person and the ecology of nature becomes
  increasingly apparent (cf. Message for the 2007
  World Day of Peace, 8).

3

• Starvation and ecological emergencies stand to
  denounce, with increasing evidence, that the
  logic of profit, if it prevails, increases the
  disproportion between rich and poor and leads to
  ruinous exploitation of the planet. Instead when
  the logic of sharing and solidarity prevails, it
  is possible to correct the course and direct it
  towards an equitable, sustainable development.
• The Angelus Sept 23, 2007.

4

• Preservation of the environment, promotion of
  sustainable development and particular attention
  to climate change are matters of grave concern
  for the entire human family.  No nation or
  business sector can ignore the ethical
  implications present in all economic and social
  development.  With increasing clarity scientific
  research demonstrates that the impact of human
  actions in any one place or region can have
  worldwide effects.
• Letter of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the
  ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Sept 1,
  2007

5

• Before it is too late, it is necessary to make
  courageous decisions that can recreate a strong
  alliance between humankind and the earth. A
  decisive yes is needed to protect creation and
  also a strong commitment to invert those trends
  which risk leading to irreversibly degrading
  situations
• Pope Benedict XVI speaking on September 2, 2007
  to young people in Loreto Italy.

6

• 7. The family needs a home, a fit environment in
  which to develop its proper relationships. For
  the human family, this home is the earth, the
  environment that God the Creator has given us to
  inhabit with creativity and responsibility. We
  need to care for the environment it has been
  entrusted to men and women to be protected and
  cultivated with responsible freedom, with the
  good of all as a constant guiding criterion.
  Human beings, obviously, are of supreme worth
  vis-à-vis creation as a whole. Respecting the
  environment does not mean considering material or
  animal nature more important than man. (WPDM 2008)