Arms spending robs citizens of basic needs, says Vatican official

Published: 2004-06-07

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Arms spending robs citizens of their basic needs, like housing, food, education and health care, said the Vatican's secretary of state. Bringing a dignified standard of living to all people would do more in guaranteeing greater stability and peace than the latest weaponry, Cardinal Angelo Sodano said in a written message to members of the Organization of American States. The Vatican released the message June 7; it was addressed to Patricio Zuquilanda, foreign minister of Ecuador, which hosted this year's OAS general assembly held June 6-8 in Quito, the capital. "Even today, so much wealth continues to be wasted on procuring ever more sophisticated instruments of war while that which is necessary for full human development is lacking," Cardinal Sodano said.

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