Catholic World News

African cardinal denounces genetically-modified seeds, charges world soccer organization promotes prostitution November 18, 2009

One of the most prominent Church leaders in Africa has denounced the emphasis placed on genetically-modified seeds at the international summit convened by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier of South Africa-- who served as one of the presidents-delegate at the recent Synod of Bishops for Africa-- said that

from the first information that I have read this morning on the FAO Summit, I have the impression that this organization does not know what the real problems of nutrition in Africa are. Africans do not need GMOs (genetically modified organisms), but water. We have our crops that grow well without genetic modifications, as long as you give them enough water. Well help us to build wells, dams and aqueducts; GMOs do not need it

Cardinal Napier also charged that FIFA (soccer’s international governing body) is “placing pressures on the South African government to decriminalize prostitution” as the 2010 World Cup approaches. “If this happens,” said Cardinal Napier, “we can expect a strong increase in the spread of HIV and AIDS.”

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• “Africa needs water, not GMOs,” Cardinal Napier, Archbishop of Durban, tells Fides (Fides)
• Despite papal plea, nations fail to pledge to end hunger by 2025 (CWN, 11/17/09)
• South African bishops warn against human trafficking, prostitution at World Cup (CWN, 11/4/09)

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