Pope says world needs new tools to monitor, counteract terrorism

Published: 2004-02-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said the international community needs new multilateral legal instruments to monitor, counteract and prevent acts of terrorism. The pope made his remarks Feb. 22 at a ceremony to welcome Turkey's new ambassador to the Vatican, Osman Durak. He noted that Turkey has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of terrorism in recent months. In his speech, the pope also encouraged Turkey to take further steps to protect the rights of Christian minorities in the country and give legal recognition to the Catholic Church. The pope framed his comments about terrorism in a discussion of the need for international law as the primary means for securing world order. He said the United Nations remains the most important agency in applying international law around the world.

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