Voice (of Reason) for the Voiceless

Migliore recalled that 15 years ago “many demographic experts and politicians” were forecasting an apocalyptic vision of a “population explosion.”

Nevertheless, “now, fifteen years later, the population growth has begun to slow, food production continues to rise to the point where it is capable of supporting a larger global population and is even being diverted to the production of fuel.”

The Apostolic Nuncio found “almost ironic” the fact that “environmental destruction is perpetrated primarily by States with lower growth rates and that developed countries are supporting population growth at home while simultaneously working to reduce it in developing countries.”

According to Migliore, experts agree that the increased birth rates in Africa represent “an unprecedented advantage in economic terms over regions whose ageing populations show growing economic challenges.”

But, “to capitalize on this opportunity, for Africa and ultimately for the whole world, greater commitment must be made to provide economic assistance and investment in human capital and infrastructure to support economic growth.”

Directly opposing the recently renewed U.S. commitment to population control, Archbishop Migliore said that “additional funding programs which focus upon lowering population growth rather than fostering an environment for development will slow, not expedite, the achievement of the MDGs.”

“Through its continued presence and emphasis on providing quality and affordable education, health care, access to food and respect for all human rights, the Holy See and its various organizations show that care for the poor, along with overall poverty reduction, serves as a model for a human centered approach to development,” the Archbishop said.

--Catholic News Agency