Pope urges world to slash military spending, funnel savings for peace

Published: 2008-04-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI urged nations to slash military spending and funnel savings into peaceful development projects around the world. He also called on nations to halt the spread of handguns and other small-caliber weapons "that fuel local wars and urban violence and unfortunately kill too many people across the world every day." The pope made his comments in a written message presented to participants gathered for an April 11-12 seminar sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The Vatican released a copy of the papal message April 12. The international seminar, which brought together dozens of experts and representatives from the church, governmental agencies and grass-roots groups, was titled "Disarmament, Development and Peace: Perspectives for an Integral Disarmament." In his written message, the pope praised the gathering, saying the topic was "timely" and "urgent."

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