The current economic and financial crisis is – according to Pope Benedict XVI – also a moral crisis, reports “Kathpress”, the Catholic news agency in Austria, from the Pope’s press conference (18.08.2011) during the flight from Rome to Madrid where the Pope attends the 26th World Youth Congress.

Such economic and social crisis always also have an ethical dimension to it which cannot be dealt with by external measures only but which would also require an inner turnaround, according to the Pope. The financial crisis therefore also requires ethical rules.

Europe has a responsibility “towards other nations and towards future generations” stressed the Pope during his “flying press conference”. Europe should create jobs and safeguard planet earth, said the Pope. Economic decisions should not primarily be made based on profit expectations but should take into account benefits for mankind. In such a situation it is the church’s duty to remind and educate mankind.

The Pope attends the World Youth Congress in Madrid from 18-21 August.