The youth against poverties

Globalization, solidarity, human rights, sexual morals… These are some of the topics addressed by Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, from Venezuela, during a meeting held in Melbourne on the occasion of the “days in the dioceses”, within the framework of Sydney’s WYD (July 15-20). Simona Mengascini met Cardinal Maradiaga in Melbourne and interviewed him for SIR Europe. Globalization didn’t always prove to be a factor of growth. Do you believe it’s a phenomenon that ought to be monitored? And how? “Globalization is an important opportunity for the youth, whose mobility increases their chances of having more contacts and relations. But at the same time, the youth could become its victims. This is true especially for those living in certain Countries . It may be a positive factor of growth if it entails sympathizing with the destiny of other human beings and supporting those undergoing difficulties. Thus, as Benedict XVI has said, charity must become the pivot of people’s lives. It’s important for the youth to realize that isolation prevents communication, while if they open up they can convey a true message of solidarity”. European youth, and not only they, are always the spearheads in advocating justice, tolerance, solidarity and human rights. However, difficult situations in the world are increasing. How should these be addressed? “The globalization of poverty is unfortunately swelling. I don’t think the Millennium objectives, fixed for the year 2015, will be reached. Oil price is on the increase and so is the price of foodstuffs, with serious repercussions on a large number of world populations. I do not believe that this increase is only due to the choices taken by the manufacturing Countries. Rather, banks and banking companies are mostly accountable for this situation. Christian faithful, who are also world citizens, should extend their commitment in charitable deeds and speak the truth so as to overturn this situation”. In the past few years Europe’s youth appeared to be distant from politics. They are disgusted with corruption and don’t want to “degrade themselves”…“The world can’t be changed and corruption can’t be uprooted if the youth aren’t committed in politics. History has taught us that participatory democracy – not armed revolutions – is the sole way to bring about justice and peace in the world. Catholics’ commitment in this field is encouraged in Europe and in the rest of the world: the defence of human life and of man’s dignity are our priorities. We cannot be indifferent to world suffering”. Many young people, including Christians, believe that devastating diseases like AIDS, could be defeated by encouraging contraception… “In my Country, Venezuela, condoms were freely distributed for 20 years, and the epidemics increased. In Uganda, where the Catholic Church and the Saint Egidio Community launched a campaign on sexual education, the virus’ diffusion-rate decreased. Sexuality ought to be lived with a responsible approach, avoiding promiscuity. We aren’t only guided by our instincts. We are humans; we have been gifted with reason. The problem today is an ongoing schizophrenia marking the different living dimensions. But a person is a unique being, and as a Church we believe that man ought to be considered in his entireness”. In the days of reception you were in Melbourne: what were your first impressions of the youth and of the WYD? “I breathed a beautiful experience since the youth brought a large amount of energy in all the dioceses. In Melbourne I had many chances to be with the youth. I met many pilgrims from European and non-European Countries. I met young people from Kuwait, which no one could have imagined, from Laos, from Vietnam. They were all very committed and full of enthusiasm. I am convinced that this WYD is part of God’s design for evangelisation. The families hosting the youth were also very happy. Some of them had forgotten what it’s like to have young people in their homes… Also this is a very positive sign”.