BENEDICT XVI: "NO ONE CAN GET AWAY WITH USING THE WEALTH OF THE POOREST COUNTRIES"

"No one can get away with using the wealth of the poorest countries, without the latter sharing the world’s growth. The authorities of all countries have a duty to join forces for the wealth and assets of the planet to be better shared". Benedict XVI’s warning arrived today at the audience with the ambassadors of Pakistan, Iceland, Estonia, Burundi and Sudan, in the Vatican for the submission of their credentials. "Such cooperation – said the Pope – will have an impact on solidarity, peace and fraternal life within and between the States. Therefore I wish all nations, especially the wealthiest ones, will make new efforts for all men to become aware of their responsibilities for this problem and accept to change their lifestyle, with a view to a fairer and fairer sharing". The Pontiff lingered on the role of religions: "they must train their members in a spirit of fraternal relations among all the inhabitants of one country, while taking care of everyone". "No one – insisted Benedict XVI – can be discriminated against or cast out of society because of their beliefs or religious practices, which are fundamental rights". "A true religious practice – he concluded – cannot be a source of division or violence between people or communities of people".” “