The Garden of God: Toward A Human Ecology

Unlimited Speculation Has a Negative Impact on the Environment and on Man Himself

124 Environment, Science & Technology century should always be informed by the imperatives of fraternity and peace, helping to solve the great problems of humanity, and directing everyone’s efforts toward the true good of man and the integral development of the peoples of the world. The positive outcome of twenty-first-century science will surely depend in large measure on the scientist’s ability to search for truth and apply discoveries in a way that goes hand in hand with the search for what is just and good. With these sentiments, I invite you to direct your gaze toward Christ, the uncreated Wisdom, and to recognize in His face the Logos of the Creator of all things. Renewing my good wishes for your work, I willingly impart my apostolic blessing. Unlimited Speculation Has a Negative Impact on the Environment and on Man Himself From Address to Participants in the Meeting Promoted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Encyclical Mater et Magistra, May 16, 2011 However, no less worrying are the phenomena linked to a financial system which, after the most acute phase of the crisis , has returned to the frenzied practice of drawing up credit contracts that often allow unlimited speculation. The phenomenon of harmful speculation occurs also in regard to staple foodstuffs , water, and land, ultimately further impoverishing those already living in borderline situations. Likewise, it is seen in the increase in the prices of basic ener- 125 Environment, Science & Technology gy resources, with the consequent search for alternative forms of energy prompted, on occasion, by exclusively short-term financial interests, which can result in a negative impact on the environment, as well as on man himself. Ecology of Man, Ecology of the Environment From Address to the Bundestag, Apostolic Journey to Germany, September 22, 2011 But the invitation to give this address was extended to me as pope, as the bishop of Rome, who bears the highest responsibility for Catholic Christianity. In issuing this invitation you are acknowledging the role that the Holy See plays as a partner within the community of peoples and states. Setting out from this international responsibility that I hold, I should like to propose to you some thoughts on the foundations of a free state of law. Allow me to begin my reflections on the foundations of law [Recht] with a brief story from sacred scripture. In the First Book of Kings, it is recounted that God invited the young King Solomon , on his accession to the throne, to make a request. What will the young ruler ask for at this important moment? Success —wealth—long life—destruction of his enemies? He chooses none of these things. Instead, he asks for a listening heart so that he may govern God’s people, and discern between good and evil (cf. 1 Kgs 3:9). Through this story, the Bible wants to tell us what should ultimately matter for a politician. His fundamental criterion and the motivation for his work as a politician must ...