658 Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale

nomie and technological level can be found only if we undergo, in the most

radical way, an inner change of heart, which can lead to a change in

lifestyle and of unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. A

genuine conversion in Christ will enable us to change the way we think

and act.

First, we must regain humility and recognize the limits of our powers,

and most importantly, the limits of our knowledge and judgement. We

have been making decisions, taking actions and assigning values that are

leading us away from the world as it should be, away from the design of

God for creation, away from all that is essential for a healthy planet and a

healthy commonwealth of people. A new approach and a new culture are

needed, based on the centrality of the human person within creation and

inspired by environmentally ethical behaviour stemming from our triple re-

lationship to God, to self and to creation. Such an ethics fosters interde-

pendence and stresses the principles of universal solidarity, social justice

and responsibility, in order to promote a true culture of life.

Secondly, we must frankly admit that humankind is entitled to some-

thing better than what we see around us. We and, much more, our chil-

dren and future generations are entitled to a better world, a world free

from degradation, violence and bloodshed, a world of generosity and love.

Thirdly, aware of the value of prayer, we must implore God the Creator

to enlighten people everywhere regarding the duty to respect and carefully

guard creation.

We therefore invite all men and women of good will to ponder the im-

portance of the following ethical goals:

1. To think of the world's children when we reflect on and evaluate our options for action.

2. To be open to study the true values based on the natural law that sustain every human culture.

3. To use science and technology in a full and constructive way, while

recognizing that the findings of science have always to be evaluated in the

light of the centrality of the human person, of the common good and of

the inner purpose of creation. Science may help us to correct the mistakes

of the past, in order to enhance the spiritual and material well being of the

present and future generations. It is love for our children that will show us

the path that we must follow into the future.