December 2000 VOICE OF SHALOM

A MILLENNIUM FREE FROM HUNGER The theme "A millennium free from hunger" holds special significance for Christians, who see the Jubilee of the Year 2000 as the "year of grace" in which once again the incarnate Word of God "proclaims release to captives " (cf Lk. 4:18-19). To free hundreds of millions of human beings who are currently victims of this scourge is not an easy task. First of all, it presupposes the commitment to uproot the causes of hunger and malnutrition . In this regard, it should be remembered, as we learn precisely in the FAO's latest annual report, that wars and internal conflicts are the primary cause of food shortages. It is painful to note that precisely "for the rural population, internal conflicts are more devastating than internaional wars". Here too the question of freedom and responsiblity arises. In fact, "if, for example, man was responsible for 10% of the food crises in 1984, he was responsible for 50% in 1999". Freedom from hunger also means freedom from war. We must also recognise that overcoming the problem of hunger and food insecurity does not depend simply on greater food production. There would be enough food for everyone in the world if it were adequately distributed. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It would be no small achievement if those who have an abundance of material goods were to commit themselves to a resonable austere lifestyle, so that they can aid those who have nothing to eat. Pope John Paul II

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