CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 21, 2004 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II appealed for the humanization of globalization as he surveyed a world scourged by terrorism, large disparities in wealth and epidemics.
The Pope today used his address to Portugal’s new ambassador to the Holy See, , as an opportunity to offer a description of the «world sociopolitical scene.»
In particular, the Holy Father mentioned «the accentuation of regional differences, both cultural as well as economic» and «the concern to safeguard the peace in the face of the growing action of extremists groups which have increasingly hindered the process of dialogue and negotiation.»
The Pope said that every ruling figure must be concerned with «the frequency of natural disasters and other, even graver ones that devastate whole populations, such as hunger; endemic sicknesses, at times uncontrollable; the enormous difference between rich and poor, and the contempt for human rights.»
In his address, the Pope confirmed the Church’s commitment to «humanize globalization» and orient the «beneficial influence of scientific and technological progress in favor of the greater well-being of every people and nation.»
John Paul II said he believes that these challenges can be presented better to public opinion «if they are part of a development plan in which the vital forces of the local society constitute its propellant force.»
«To associate citizens with the projects of the society and to give them confidence in those who govern them and in the nation of which they are members, are the bases on which is founded the harmonious life of human societies,» he said.
The new Portuguese ambassador is a past secretary-general of the Foreign Ministry and ambassador in Washington and Brussels.
