Vatican Official Warns Against Environmental Harm in Fishing Sector on World Fisheries Day

Kielce Gussie Reports for Alayaran.com

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development released a message on November 12 to commemorate World Fisheries Day, coinciding with the annual celebration of sustainable stocks of fisheries and human rights for small-scale fishing communities.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery, issued a warning about the devastating impact of commercial fishing practices on the environment. With over 58 million people working in the sector, Cardinal Czerny urged greater caution to prevent ecological harm.

"Fishing, one of the most ancient forms of human work, has greatly changed in many parts of the world," he stated. "The causes of this change deal with the harm done to our common home." He called for a balance between human labor and environmental care, warning against "predatory practices and technology for the benefit of an increasingly influential and powerful minority."

Cardinal Czerny drew on Pope Francis' words at the first World Meeting of Popular Movements, emphasizing the importance of action over passivity. "The Church shares in the joys and hopes but also the sorrows and grief" of humanity, he said.

Critique of Globalization

Cardinal Czerny emphasized that environmental care requires an emphasis on fraternity rather than globalization of indifference. He urged lawmakers to defend small communities, family, and local organizations of fishermen, which have a direct impact on sustainable management of fishery resources.

The One Ocean Summit in 2022 saw 14 countries pledge to combat illegal fishing with the goal of managing fishery resources sustainably.

A Long History of Environmental Concerns

This comes as Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', released in 2015, warned against exploitation and destruction of the environment. "We must see the environment not only as a resource but also as a collective good," he said.

As Cardinal Czerny concludes his message, the world turns to pray for creation's shared goods. The importance of care and fraternity over globalization of indifference should be reflected on this World Fisheries Day.