EVANGELII GAUDIUM - page 150

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convictions and attitudes will only ensure that
those same structures will become, sooner or lat-
er, corrupt, oppressive and ineffectual.
190. Sometimes it is a matter of hearing the
cry of entire peoples, the poorest peoples of the
earth, since “peace is founded not only on re-
spect for human rights, but also on respect for the
rights of peoples”. 154 Sadly, even human rights
can be used as a justification for an inordinate
defense of individual rights or the rights of the
richer peoples. With due respect for the auton-
omy and culture of every nation, we must never
forget that the planet belongs to all mankind and
is meant for all mankind; the mere fact that some
people are born in places with fewer resources
or less development does not justify the fact that
they are living with less dignity. It must be reit-
erated that “the more fortunate should renounce
some of their rights so as to place their goods
more generously at the service of others”.155 To
speak properly of our own rights, we need to
broaden our perspective and to hear the plea of
other peoples and other regions than those of
our own country. We need to grow in a solidarity
which “would allow all peoples to become the
154 Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Compendi-
um of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 157.
155 Paul VI, Apostolic Letter Octogesima Adveniens (14 May
1971), 23: AAS 63 (1971), 418.