Pope calls for real reform--not vague promises--to fight hunger [CWN]

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The fact that millions of people face the danger of starvation in today’s world is “truly scandalous,” Pope Francis told participants in a conference organized by the UN’s Food and …

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Pope to FAO: more must be done to end scandal of starvation
(Vatican Radio) “Something more can and must be done” for the millions of people who are “still suffering and dying of starvation”, something which is “truly scandalous” in this day and age. Moreover, the current global crisis cannot “continue to be used as an alibi” for people, states and institutions to shirk their responsibility in helping the poor and hungry of the world.
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The human person and human dignity risk turning into vague abstractions in the face of issues like the use of force, war, malnutrition, marginalization, the violation of basic liberties, and financial speculation, which presently affects the price of food, treating it like any other merchandise and overlooking its primary function. Our duty is to continue to insist, in the present international context, that the human person and human dignity are not simply catchwords, but pillars for creating shared rules and structures capable of passing beyond purely pragmatc or technical approaches in order to eliminate divisions and to bridge existing differences. In this regard, there is a need to oppose the shortsighted economic interests and the mentality of power of a relative few who exclude the majority of the world’s peoples, generating poverty and marginalization and causing a breakdown in society. There is likewise a need to combat the corruption which creates privileges for some and injustices for many others.
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Pope Francis addresses issues head on. 😉
 
Most of the regions of the world in which hunger is still a scandalously outdated occurrence are the same regions & countries plagued by political corruption. For example, when well-meaning NGO’s send food to such locations, the food & other goods are often seized by government officials, for their own use. Second, there is a problem in administration within those regions and countries, which pertains to political reform. Third, there is a problem in information and distribution, due to inefficient means & technologies.

The most charitable approach to world hunger is actually to tackle the governing issues, which pertain to distribution of food & other goods received. Methods which have failed to circumvent governments, obviously especially when those are corrupt, have derailed many private and institutional charity groups.

Successful solutions to world hunger have to combine politics, agriculture, and independent charitable causes together.
 
I am not sure anyone is going to listen to Francis. To most secular Westerners he has zero moral credibility, so their line of thinking is, “And what is your solution?”
 
Elizabeth502 said:
Most of the regions of the world in which hunger is still a scandalously outdated occurrence are the same regions & countries plagued by political corruption. For example, when well-meaning NGO’s send food to such locations, the food & other goods are often seized by government officials, for their own use. Second, there is a problem in administration within those regions and countries, which pertains to political reform. Third, there is a problem in information and distribution, due to inefficient means & technologies.

The most charitable approach to world hunger is actually to tackle the governing issues, which pertain to distribution of food & other goods received. Methods which have failed to circumvent governments, obviously especially when those are corrupt, have derailed many private and institutional charity groups.

Successful solutions to world hunger have to combine politics, agriculture, and independent charitable causes together.
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I don’t disagree. But if we know, for example, that $200 donated overseas via one of several reputable, sustainable organizations (OxFam, UNICEF, and others that routinely demonstrate that funds received directly benefit those in poverty) will save the life of a child, I think we’re morally obligated to do so if able. It is necessary to address the root causes of poverty while also caring for those in desperate need now.
 
Elizabeth502 said:
Most of the regions of the world in which hunger is still a scandalously outdated occurrence are the same regions & countries plagued by political corruption. For example, when well-meaning NGO’s send food to such locations, the food & other goods are often seized by government officials, for their own use. Second, there is a problem in administration within those regions and countries, which pertains to political reform. Third, there is a problem in information and distribution, due to inefficient means & technologies.

The most charitable approach to world hunger is actually to tackle the governing issues, which pertain to distribution of food & other goods received. Methods which have failed to circumvent governments, obviously especially when those are corrupt, have derailed many private and institutional charity groups.

Successful solutions to world hunger have to combine politics, agriculture, and independent charitable causes together.
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👍👍

I recall this article and found it supported a previous article in The Economist about the impossiblity of helping any country’s starving people if there is no rule of law and protection of individual property and human rights. The corruption of these countries virtually ensure that the “aid” lines the pockets of some tin pot dictator or the country’s military. Meanwhile the people starve.

spiegel.de/international/spiegel/spiegel-interview-with-african-economics-expert-for-god-s-sake-please-stop-the-aid-a-363663.html

A group in our city has had some good results getting into NoKo where truly it is a horrendous situation. It seems so hopeless when you have a tyrant at the helm and the Soloman’s Baby choice of giving aid without conditions (and like ending up in the Dear Leader’s pocket) or not getting any aid into the country.

I hope Pope Francis has better results than various government agencies or NGOs.

Lisa
 
YoungTradCath said:
I am not sure anyone is going to listen to Francis. To most secular Westerners he has zero moral credibility, so their line of thinking is, “And what is your solution?”
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And then when the Church recognizes/acknowledges that it isn’t her job to decide what the specific steps are in the reform, she gets labeled as “hypocritical” by the secularists.
 
Daily prayers to our Father for Holy Pope Frances who is …yes addressing the so many things which need to be said, the many changes that need to be made. :):signofcross:
 
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