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A
World Fund
51. A further step must be
taken. When We were at Bombay for the Eucharistic Congress, We asked world
leaders to set aside part of their military expenditures for a world fund to
relieve the needs of impoverished peoples. 55 What is true for the
immediate war against poverty is also true for the work of national
development. Only a concerted effort on the part of all nations, embodied in
and carried out by this world fund, will stop these senseless rivalries and promote
fruitful, friendly dialogue between nations.
52. It is certainly all
right to maintain bilateral and multilateral agreements. Through such
agreements, ties of dependence and feelings of jealousy—holdovers from the era
of colonialism —give way to friendly relationships of true solidarity that are
based on juridical and political equality. But such agreements would be free of
all suspicion if they were integrated into an overall policy of worldwide
collaboration. The member nations, who benefit from these agreements, would
have less reason for fear or mistrust. They would not have to worry that
financial or technical assistance was being used as a cover for some new form
of colonialism that would threaten their civil liberty, exert economic pressure
on them, or create a new power group with controlling influence.
53. Is it not plain to
everyone that such a fund would reduce the need for those other expenditures
that are motivated by fear and stubborn pride? Countless millions are starving,
countless families are destitute, countless men are steeped in ignorance;
countless people need schools, hospitals, and homes worthy of the name. In such
circumstances, we cannot tolerate public and private expenditures of a wasteful
nature; we cannot but condemn lavish displays of wealth by nations or
individuals; we cannot approve a debilitating arms race. It is Our solemn duty
to speak out against them. If only world leaders would listen to Us, before it
is too late!
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