Vatican City, July 25 (IANS/AKI) Economic systems should not focus solely on consumerism but also on "the full realisation of each individual and genuine development", Pope Francis said on Monday.
"Economies should not be oriented exclusively towards the consumption of natural resources and human beings but should also foster the full realisation of every individual and genuine development," Francis said.
He made the remarks in a message to participants at an ecology conference in Poland held to mark the World Youth Day festival, which starts off Tuesday in the city of Krakow.
The papal message also urged reflection "on our shared responsibility as the custodians of God's plan for creation inscribed in nature".
"Creation is a marvellous gift from God which should be used for the benefit of all," the message added.
We need to start by changing our daily lifestyles and reducing waste, Francis said, repeating a message from his acclaimed encyclical on climate change and the environment, "Laudato Si" issued in June last year.
