Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 819

the earth". Immersed in contemplation of the "work of his fingers",3 the

perils of spiritual alienation from creation become plainly evident. The rela-

tionship between individuals or communities and the environment ultimately

stems from their relationship with God. When "man turns his back on the

Creator's plan, he provokes a disorder which has inevitable repercussions on

the rest of the created order".4

Your Holiness, the international and multi-disciplinary nature of the

symposium attests to the need to seek global solutions to the matters under

consideration. I am encouraged by the growing recognition that the entire

human community - children and adults, industry sectors, States and inter-

national bodies - must take seriously the responsibility that falls to each and

every one of us. While it is true that industrializing countries are not morally

free to repeat the past errors of others, by recklessly continuing to damage

the environment,5 it is also the case that highly industrialized countries must

share 'clean-technologies' and ensure that their own markets do not sustain

demand for goods whose very production contributes to the proliferation

of pollution. Mutual interdependence between nations' economic and social

activities demands international solidarity, cooperation and on-going

educational efforts. It is these principles which the Religion, Science and the

Environment movement courageously upholds.

With sentiments of deep appreciation, and mindful of our commitment to

encourage and support all efforts made to protect God's works,6 I pray that

the Almighty will abundantly bless this year's symposium. May he accom-

pany you and all those gathered with you, so that all creation may give praise

to God!

From the Vatican, 1 September 2007.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

3 Ps 8. 4 Message for the 1990 World Day of Peace, 5. 5 Cfr ibid., 10. 6 Cfr Common Declaration, 30 November 2006.