Pope Francis Condemns Illegal Trade in Diamonds and Ivory

(IDEX Online News) – Pope Francis has said that the illegal trade in ivory and diamonds is contributing to conflict and could destroy Africa’s environment. The comments were made on the second day of the pontiff’s visit to Kenya, reported the BBC.   

He said that Africa's beauty, which inspires people to praise God, was at risk. "Africa offers the world a beauty and natural richness," he said, which are being threatened by "human selfishness of every type."

The BBC reported that the Pope said that people's poverty was being exploited to push them into the illegal trade of diamonds, rare metals, timber and ivory. "We cannot be silent about forms of illegal trafficking which arise in situations of poverty and in turn lead to greater poverty and exclusion."