Pope Urges Just Distribution of Goods

Says Religion Is Basis of Solidarity

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 1, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI launched a call for a more just distribution of the wealth of the planet.

The Holy Father made this invitation today on receiving the letters of credence of five new ambassadors to the Holy See: Ayesha Riyaz of Pakistan, Larus Stefansson of Iceland, Juri Seilenthal of Estonia, Domitille Barancira of Burundi and Ahmed Hamid Elfaki Hamid of Sudan.

In his address the Pope said that "in the modern world it is more than ever important to affirm the bonds that unite countries, with special attention toward the poorest nations."

The Pontiff continued: "It is not possible to continue using the wealth of the poorest countries with impunity, without them also being able to participate in world growth.

"Authorities in all countries have a duty to work together to ensure greater distribution of the wealth and resources of the planet.

"Collaboration to this end will also have an effect on solidarity, peace and fraternity, within countries and between countries."

Benedict XVI expressed his desire "for a renewed commitment among all nations, especially the richest, to ensure that all human beings may become aware of their responsibility in this matter, and accept a transformation of lifestyle with a view to an ever more just distribution" of wealth.

Brotherly love

The Holy Father highlighted the role of the various religions of the world and "the duty they have to form their members with a view to creating fraternal relations among all the inhabitants of a country, and with ever more respectful concern for all mankind."

"No one should be subject to discrimination or be relegated to the margins of society for their religious beliefs and practices, which are such fundamental elements of people's freedom," the Pontiff said

The Pope continued: "Authentic religion cannot be a source of division or of violence between people or between human communities. On the contrary, religion lies at the basis of the awareness that all people are brothers, who must be protected and helped to develop."

Pakistan

The Pope then gave each ambassador the text of a talk concerning the situation in his or her own country.

In the text given to the representative from Pakistan, Benedict XVI praised the country's "commitment to work together with the international community to bring greater stability to your region and to protect innocent lives from the threats of terrorism and violence."

He said: "A robust democratic society depends on its ability to uphold and protect religious freedom -- a basic right inherent to the very dignity of the human person. It is therefore essential to safeguard citizens who belong to religious minorities from acts of violence."