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INTERVENTION BY
H.E. MSGR. RENATO R. MARTINO Wednesday, 4 September 2002
The Holy See, in conformity with its nature and its particular
mission, is pleased to join the consensus of the Plan of Action of the World
Summit on Sustainable Development and expresses its thanks to the people and
Government of the Republic of South Africa and everyone involved with the work
that has brought us to this closing session of the Summit. The Holy See reaffirms its position that any discussion on
development must centre on human dignity and in this, renews its commitment to
the Rio Principles, the first of which states that "Human beings are at the
centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy
and productive life in harmony with nature". The Holy See only regrets that this first Principle did not find
its way into the chapeau of each and every section of the document, helping to
remind and guide the purpose of our work here and in every realm of sustainable
development. My delegation is pleased to inform that in joining in this
consensus adoption, it does so without reservation. At the same time, the Holy
See reaffirms all of the reservations that it has previously expressed at the
conclusion of the various United Nations Conferences and Summits, as well as the
Special Sessions of the General Assembly for the review of those meetings. The Holy See asks that this statement be included in the report
of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Thank you, Mr. President *L'Osservatore Romano 8.9.2002 p.2.
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