Balvo, who was recently the Pope's representative [apostolic nuncio] in Wellington was addressing the United Nations Environmental Assembly.

He said that while the desire to moderate the consumption of goods was commendable, it was necessary to abandon the model of "an uncontrolled consumerism, an immeasurable enjoyment."

"The current world economic system, manipulated by the powers of money," does not favour the inclusion of the poor for the sake of the common good," he said.

He added that there was a need to pay greater attention to the "spiritual dimension" of sustainable development.

The first United Nations Environment Assembly was attended by over 1065 participants, 163 member states, 113 Ministers and featured 40 events.

It took place in, Nairobi, Kenya 23 - 27 June 2014.

Archbishop Balvo is now the apostolic nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan.

He is also the permanent observer of the Holy See at the bodies of the United Nations for the environment and human settlements.

Read the whole statement

Source

• The Vatican
• Image: photo1.blogger.com