Pope Francis to FAO: effective solidarity key to food security
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the participants in the 39th international conference of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization on Thursday. The week-long event (June 6-13) brings together roughly 450 participants from scores of countries and every part of the to evaluate the Organization’s recent activities and plan for the work of the coming years.
In remarks to the participants prepared for the audience in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace and delivered on Thursday, Pope Francis focused on three main points: reducing the waste of foodstuffs; educating people in how to practice wholesome nutrition; fostering an attitude of genuine and effective solidarity in order to promote and achieve real food security for all and for everyone.
“Food security must be achieved,” said Pope Francis. “We must begin with our daily lives if we want to change lifestyles, aware that our small gestures can guarantee sustainability and the future of the human family,” he continued.
Pope Francis went on to say, “Let us modify our relationship with natural resources, land use, consumption, and eliminate waste: thus shall we defeat hunger.”
“The Church with its institutions and its initiatives,” concluded Pope Francis, “walks with you, knowing that the earth’s resources are limited and their sustainable use is an urgent need for agricultural development and food security. For this reason, the Church is committed to promoting the change of attitude necessary for the good of future generations.”