Vatican City, 26 November 2015 (VIS) –
The clear relationship between the protection of nature and
constructing a just and equitable social order, the aspirations of
the young and a fair distribution of natural and human resources were
the central themes of Pope Francis' first discourse in Africa
yesterday.
The Holy Father spoke in the presence
of President Uhuru Kenyatta, the authorities and representatives of
the political, economic and cultural spheres, in the gardens of the
State House, the president's residence in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya, he said, “is a young and
vibrant nation, a richly diverse society which plays a significant
role in the region. In many ways your experience of shaping a
democracy is one shared by many other African nations. Like Kenya,
they too are working to build, on the solid foundations of mutual
respect, dialogue and cooperation, a multi-ethnic society which is
truly harmonious, just and inclusive”.
“Yours too is a nation of young
people. … The young are any nation’s most valuable resource. To
protect them, to invest in them and to offer them a helping hand, is
the best way we can ensure a future worthy of the wisdom and
spiritual values dear to their elders, values which are the very
heart and soul of a people”.
“Kenya has been blessed not only with
immense beauty, in its mountains, rivers and lakes, its forests,
savannahs and semi-deserts, but also by an abundance of natural
resources. The Kenyan people have a strong appreciation of these
God-given treasures and are known for a culture of conservation which
does you honour. The grave environmental crisis facing our world
demands an ever greater sensitivity to the relationship between human
beings and nature. We have a responsibility to pass on the beauty of
nature in its integrity to future generations, and an obligation to
exercise a just stewardship of the gifts we have received. These
values are deeply rooted in the African soul. In a world which
continues to exploit rather than protect our common home, they must
inspire the efforts of national leaders to promote responsible models
of economic development”.
“In effect, there is a clear link
between the protection of nature and the building of a just and
equitable social order”, the Holy Father emphasised. “There can
be no renewal of our relationship with nature, without a renewal of
humanity itself. To the extent that our societies experience
divisions, whether ethnic, religious or economic, all men and women
of good will are called to work for reconciliation and peace,
forgiveness and healing. In the work of building a sound democratic
order, strengthening cohesion and integration, tolerance and respect
for others, the pursuit of the common good must be a primary goal.
Experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear,
mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration.
Ultimately, the struggle against these enemies of peace and
prosperity must be carried on by men and women who fearlessly believe
in, and bear honest witness to, the great spiritual and political
values which inspired the birth of the nation”.
Addressing the country's political,
cultural and economic leaders, he remarked that “the advancement
and preservation of these great values is entrusted in a special way”
to them. “This is a great responsibility, a true calling, in the
service of the entire Kenyan people. The Gospel tells us that from
those to whom much has been given, much will be demanded. In that
spirit, I encourage you to work with integrity and transparency for
the common good, and to foster a spirit of solidarity at every level
of society. I ask you in particular to show genuine concern for the
needs of the poor, the aspirations of the young, and a just
distribution of the natural and human resources with which the
Creator has blessed your country. I assure you of the continued
efforts of the Catholic community, through its educational and
charitable works, to offer its specific contribution in these areas”.
“I am told that here in Kenya it is a
tradition for young schoolchildren to plant trees for posterity. May
this eloquent sign of hope in the future, and trust in the growth
which God gives, sustain all of you in your efforts to cultivate a
society of solidarity, justice and peace on the soil of this country
and throughout the great African continent. I thank you once more for
your warm welcome, and upon you and your families, and all the
beloved Kenyan people, I invoke the Lord’s abundant blessings”.
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