http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8137849.stm

Pope calls for a UN ‘with teeth’

 

It is the Pope’s first encyclical on social issues

The Pope has called for reform of the United Nations and financial bodies, giving them the “real teeth” needed to tackle economic and social injustice.

Benedict XVI said the blind pursuit of profit and economic mismanagement had “wreaked havoc” on the global economy.

The market, said the Pope, must not become the place where the strong prevail over the weak.

His encyclical letter said a reformed UN should strive for disarmament, food security and environmental protection.

An encyclical letter is the highest form of papal teaching, says the BBC’s David Willey in Rome.

  papThere is urgent need of a true world political authority

Pope Benedict XVI

This letter, Caritas in Veritate, or Charity in Truth, is his third since being made Pope in 2005. It is the first to focus on social issues, and follows two on spiritual matters.

The densely argued 144-page document is the result of a two-year effort by the Pope to bring Catholic social teaching up to date on the ethical responsibilities for the global economic meltdown, says our correspondent.

Its publication comes on the eve of Wednesday’s G8 meeting of world leaders at L’Aquila.

“There is a strongly felt need… for a reform of the United Nations Organisation, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth… there is urgent need of a true world political authority,” the Pope wrote.

The strengthened international body should work “to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace, to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration,” Benedict said.

What does the Faithful and Discreet Slave, have to say on the subject:  re chap. 35 p. 258 par. 21:

21 Yes, the nations will use the scarlet-colored wild beast, the United Nations, in destroying Babylon the Great. They do not act on their own initiative, for Jehovah puts it into their hearts “even to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast.” When the time comes, the nations will evidently see the need to strengthen the United Nations. They will give it teeth, as it were, lending it whatever authority and power they possess so that it can turn upon false religion and fight successfully against her “until the words of God will have been accomplished.” Thus, the ancient harlot will come to her complete end. And good riddance to her!

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