Pope says economic crisis requires brotherhood

VATICAN City—Pope Benedict XVI says the global economic crisis requires a courageous show of brotherhood.

Benedict also expressed concern in a speech at the Vatican Thursday that there is a risk that hope will diminish amid the growing troubles, including the uncertainty that young people feel amid the economic crisis.

“Humanity is searching for signs of hope,” he said.

Benedict lamented what he called the “divide” between wealthy and poor nations, and the harm many people are suffering to their dignity. He cautioned that helping the needy means more than feeding the hungry — people must explore the causes of hunger, he said.

Benedict was speaking to members of the Italian branch of Caritas, a Catholic charity.