U.N. reform should make it stronger for resolving disputes, pope says

Published: 2004-02-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Current initiatives to reform the United Nations should help make it a stronger forum for resolving international disputes and a "respected moral authority" for the world, Pope John Paul II said. The pope made the comments Feb. 7 during a meeting at the Vatican with Julian Hunte, president of the 58th session of the U.N. General Assembly. Hunte has been working with other U.N. officials to improve the effectiveness of the organization as it deals with a host of issues around the world. The pope told Hunte that the Vatican considers the United Nations a key institution in promoting international peace and development. "You have undertaken a restructuring aimed at making the organization function more efficiently. This will not only ensure an effective superior instance for the just resolution of international problems, but also enable the United Nations to become an ever more highly respected moral authority for the international community," the pope said.

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