THE POPE SAYS, “THE REVIVAL OF AGRICULTURE IS NOT NOSTALGIA, IT IS THE FUTURE”

Today, in front of the 40,000 faithful in St Peter’s Square to hear the Angelus, after having called for a comprehensive review of global economic development, in the wake of the crisis, Pope Benedict XVI said, ”in this context, a strategic revival of the agricultural sector is needed. The industrialization process has sometimes overshadowed agriculture, which, while benefiting from the knowledge of modern techniques, has lost importance, with significant consequences on the cultural level. I think it is time to reassess agriculture not in the sense of nostalgia, but as an indispensable resource for the future”.

The Holy Father reminded the faithful that today is the Day of Thanks sponsored by the CEI (Italian Episcopal Conference), then highlighted how “many young people have already chosen the path, including several college graduates, to return to farming not only for personal and/or family needs, but also as a sign of the times, a real feeling for the common good. And we pray to the Virgin Mary,” he added “so that these reflections will serve as a stimulus to the international community, while we raise our thanks to God for the fruits of the earth and human labor”.