The pope has called for more moderate lifestyles to promote wealth distribution in a world full of conflict over economic gains and competition for natural resources.

Pope Benedict the Sixteenth made this statement Sunday in his homily at Saint Peter’s Basilica to mark the Catholic Epiphany.

The pope declared that globalization is far from synonymous with world order. He said economic conflicts conflicts and the scramble for natural resources are creating difficulties for those who want a just and united world.

Benedict emphasized the world needs a greater hope that allows the common good to, as he put it, "prevail over the luxury of a few and the poverty of many."

The pontiff said that without true hope, people search for happiness in intoxication, in the superfluous, in excess. In the end, he said, they ruin themselves and the world.

He added moderation is not only an ascetic rule, but also a way for human salvation.

The religious leader said it's clear that only by adopting what he called "a sober lifestyle," along with a serious commitment to fairly distributing wealth is a just sustainable development possible.

The pope’s remarks are said to reflect his growing concern over environmental issues.