Vatican Warns Against Environmental Harm in Fishing Industry on World Fisheries Day

Vatican City, November 21 - Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has issued a warning against the environmental harm caused by aggressive economic practices in the fishing sector, ahead of World Fisheries Day on November 21.

With over 58 million people employed in the fisheries and aquaculture industry worldwide, Cardinal Czerny highlighted the need to balance human work with care for the environment. He quoted Pope Francis' words, stating that "fishing is one of the most ancient forms of human work" which has changed greatly due to "the harm done to our common home".

The Church leaders warned against the use of "predatory practices and technology" by an influential minority, opting instead for a focus on fraternity and protecting the environment. This call echoes Pope Francis' recent message urging lawmakers to defend small communities and family organizations of fishermen, whose livelihoods are under threat.

The Vatican Dicastery also draws from Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si', which highlighted the importance of respecting the environment as a collective good. Cardinal Czerny called on people to prayerfully adopt responsible practices that prioritize the well-being of all nations and future generations.

In recognition of this year's theme, "Let the waters teem with living creatures", which is inspired by the Book of Genesis, the Vatican reiterated its commitment to ensuring sustainable fisheries stocks worldwide, curbing illegal fishing, and promoting human rights for small-scale fishing communities.