Terrorism based on real grievances, cardinal tells airport chaplains

Published: 2007-04-23

ROME (CNS) -- Heightened security and military preparedness alone cannot prevent acts of terrorism, because terrorism is born of real grievances twisted by hatred, said Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers. Cardinal Martino spoke at the opening of an April 23-27 seminar the council was holding with Catholic airport chaplains to discuss ways to promote dialogue and respond to terrorist threats and fears of terrorism among airport workers and passengers. While there is no excuse for terrorism, the cardinal said, the threat cannot be eliminated until the causes are. "Legal measures and being armed are not enough to fight it," he said. "It is necessary to respond also with cultural instruments capable of offering nonviolent alternatives to redress genuine grievances." Religious leaders have a particular responsibility to publicly condemn terrorist acts committed in the name of religion, he said.

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