Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Pope condemns consumerism




Agence France-Presse

VATICAN CITY—Pope Benedict XVI denounced Tuesday in his annual message for Lent, the period in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter, society's worship of material objects because it hollows the human person.

"The greed of possession leads to violence, corruption and death," the pope said and encouraged almsgiving "which is the capacity to share".

"The idolatry of goods, on the contrary, not only separates us from others but empties the human person and leaves him (or her) unhappy," he added in a statement written in seven languages and diffused around the world.

Benedict XVI also warned that "the demon is working and does not stop, even in our times, to tempt all men who want to come closer to God".

Lent, traditionally a time for spiritual self-examination for Christians, culminates with Holy Week leading up to Easter, the resurrection of Christ, which this year falls on April 24.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

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