In talk to Serbian diplomat, pope urges moderation in Kosovo crisis

Published: 2008-02-21

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an address to Serbia's new ambassador to the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI called on all parties to act with "prudence and moderation" in response to "the current crisis in Kosovo." The pope said by choosing to live by the values stemming from Christian roots "we discover the courage to forgive and to accept forgiveness, to be reconciled with our neighbors and to build together a civilization of love in which all are accepted and respected." The pope made his appeal during an address to Vladeta Jankovic, the ambassador, who presented his letters of credential during a Feb. 21 audience at the Vatican. Jankovic urged the pope to use his "enormous influence" to "preserve stability in the Balkans" and called Kosovo's declaration of independence an injustice. "With your devotion to the highest moral principles, Your Holiness knows better than anyone that injustice, which is called justice in only one unique case, always remains an injustice," he said. Jankovic also warned that Kosovo's separation could spur other acts of secession in the world.

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