Benedict XVI expects a peaceful 2013 despite capitalism and terrorism

Benedict XVI

During New Year’s Mass, held in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he expects  2013  to be a year of peace despite the threat of unrestrained capitalism, inequality and terrorism.

The pope sent his message during the homily in front of more than 10.000 people, the day the Catholic Church celebrates World Day of Peace, with initiatives worldwide.

“A new year is like a journey. With the light and grace of God, could be the beginning of a path to peace for each person, each family, each country and for the world,” said Benedict XVI from his window overlooking the square, also thanking peacekeepers in the world,  who deserve praises for working tirelessly.

He also criticized the “new sources of tension and conflict caused by the increasing examples of inequality between rich and poor” and denounced “the prevalence of a selfish and individualistic mentality that also finds expression in unregulated capitalism, in various forms of terrorism and crime.”

In his message for the International Day of Peace, he called for new economic and ethical regulations for markets, and said the global financial crisis was proof that capitalism does not protect the weakest in society.