Pope Francis called for a "paradigm shift" in the mining sector

Pope Francis today called for a "paradigm shift" in the mining sector that promotes "the participation of local communities" and asked that the activity "respect fundamental human rights ".

"The precarious conditions of our common home are mainly due to an economic model that has been followed too long," said the pontiff receiving this morning at the Vatican the participants of a conference on mines organized by the Department of Development human. integral

And in accordance with the concepts of his encyclical Laudato Si & # 39 ;, 2015. Bergoglio is questioned: "It is a voracious, profit-oriented model with a limited horizon and based on the fact that it is not a business. illusion of unlimited economic growth. "

"Although we often see its disastrous impact on the natural world and people's lives, we still resist change," he added.

In this context, the pope said that it was "necessary to change the paradigm in all our economic activities, including mining."

And in this regard, the pontiff called for the participation of local communities, "is important in every phase of mining activity projects".

"I urge everyone to respect the fundamental human rights and the voice" of indigenous peoples close to the projects, he added.

"The mining activity must be at the service of the human person and not the reverse"; he thinks.