War, poverty ignore truth about human dignity, pope tells diplomats

Published: 2006-01-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In the Middle East, in Africa and wherever violence and extreme poverty threaten human life and dignity, people must recognize the truth that all people are created equal and have a right to exist in freedom, Pope Benedict XVI said. "Bloodshed does not cry out for revenge, but begs for respect for life, for peace," the pope said Jan. 9 in his address to ambassadors and other diplomats representing their nations at the Vatican. The pope specifically mentioned ongoing tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Iraq, the Darfur region of Sudan and the Great Lakes region of Africa. He spoke about the threat to peace caused by terrorism, extreme poverty and human trafficking. The pope said the resolution of differences must be based on the truth about people and their communities, that they are equal but have legitimate differences that must be balanced.

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