At his weekly address to St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Wednesday, Pope Francis took the time to denounce what he believes to be one of the greater evils in today's society: consumerism. Namely, the effects it is having on the global food supply.

"Consumerism has led us to become used to an excess and daily waste of food, to which, at times we are no longer able to give a just value," the pope said. "Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of the poor and the hungry."

His wording was very absolute and none too forgiving, and there is a fair amount of truth in what was said. After throwing away food, consumers must purchase more food to satiate their hunger, and this increased demand pushes up food prices. When food prices rise, those with little income must do without.

Pope Francis isn't the only one who seems to realize this. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have both ramped up efforts to encourage food producers and grocers to minimize the prevalence of food waste through the U.S. Food Waste Challenge.

"Food waste is the single largest type of waste entering our landfills -- Americans throw away up to 40 percent of their food," Bob Perciasepe, acting administrator of the EPA said in a statement. "Addressing this issue not only helps with combating hunger and saving money, but also with combating climate change: food in landfills decomposes to create potent greenhouse gases."

The move comes as a bit of a surprise, not for its message, but rather for its harshness towards the majority of the consumerist first world, a demographic that the Vatican usually appeals to rather than condemns. Many people are applauding Pope Francis' decision to speak on an issue that hasn't gotten very much coverage as of late.

"It's great to see leaders in this country and other countries who are willing to step up and address the issues of hunger and waste. Giving time as a volunteer, food donations, money -- no one has to go hungry," said Julie Braley, marketing and business relations director for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

Pope Francis' selection of the issue is also interesting as it comes on the heels of a very controversial statement made by the pope last month when he stated that non-Christians were still capable of going to heaven. That message was later contradicted by a Vatican spokesman and was a very polarizing opinion, especially among the world's Catholics.