Pope expresses great concern over escalating Middle East conflict

Published: 2006-07-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI is following events in the Middle East with great concern because "the latest dramatic events" risk "degenerating into a conflict with international repercussions," said Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state. The cardinal issued a statement July 14 after the Middle East appeared to move a step closer to all-out war as fighting spread north to Lebanon. Israel bombed targets in Lebanon after members of Lebanon-based Hezbollah crossed into Israel and kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. Cardinal Sodano said, "As in the past, the Holy See condemns both terrorist attacks on one side and military reprisals on the other. In fact, a state's right to defend itself does not exempt it from respecting the norms of international law, especially as regards safeguarding civilian populations. In particular, the Holy See deplores the attack on Lebanon, a free and sovereign nation," he said, adding that the Vatican is close to the Lebanese people, "who already have suffered much to defend their independence."

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