(Vatican Radio) The centuries-old coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews in the Middle East is experiencing a “true and real dismantling”, according to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches.
The Cardinal was speaking on Wednesday at a symposium in Bari organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio, with the theme “Christians in the Middle East: What Future?”.
He compared the “indifference and inaction” of the international community to the tragedies which have for years “consumed” Syria and Iraq to the washing of Pilate’s hands before the crucifixion of Christ.
Although he acknowledged the complexity of finding a solution to the crisis – including those touching on the internal relations of the different elements of the Muslim faithful – Cardinal Sandri said it was “a scandal” that vested interests and balance-of-power politics is being put before the survival of people.
He said the Christians of the region “deserve our solidarity, our gratitude, and every possible support.”
Cardinal Sandri also added the Israeli-Palestinian question must be addressed in any discussion of stability in the Middle East, saying that all countries deserve “to exist, to be protected, and not be under threat.”
“It is the task of Christian pastors throughout the Middle East to help their faithful to grow in this awareness, pouring on the wounds of even the recent past, the abundant oil of consolation, forgiveness and mercy,” he said.
“If things do not move in this direction, we do not doubt that the pockets of ‘power gone mad,’ which is ISIS, will multiply, also because they are supported with arms and other resources from various interested factions,” said Cardinal Sandri.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See on Wednesday said the “safest and surest path” toward a future where nuclear weapons are never used is a “mutual and total renunciation” of all atomic weapons, and the “effective dismantling” of the infrastructure on which they depend.
The Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Bernadito Auza, was addressing the Ninth Review Conference of theTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
“The risks and the instability connected with the existence of nuclear weapons are an urgent call to take concrete and effective steps to address this situation by renewing collectively the commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament which stand at the heart of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,” he said.
Archbishop Auza said the discrimination between countries with and countries without nuclear weapons cannot be a permanent solution.
“The status quo is unsustainable and undesirable,” he said. “If it is unthinkable to imagine a world where nuclear weapons are available to all, it is reasonable to imagine, and to work collectively for, a world where nobody has them.”
The full statement of Archbishop Auza is below
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Bernadito C. Auza
Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York
At the Ninth Review Conference of the
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
New York, 29 April 2015
Madam President,
At the very outset, my Delegation wishes to express its solidarity and closeness to the populations struck by a powerful earthquake in Nepal and in neighboring countries.
Madam President,
My Delegation is pleased to congratulate you and the Bureau for your election, and to assure you of its active participation and collaboration.
Madame President,
This year marks the seventieth anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The victims are still with us. The Hibakusha are a living testimony calling all of us to take the right decisions today if we do not want to face similar situations tomorrow. Hiroshima and Nagasaki should be a reminder on the importance of the NPT Review Conferences as an instrument to rid humanity of the risks of nuclear war. The very reason of the NPT is anchored in the dignity of the human person and in the collective recognition of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any nuclear detonation. The world’s nuclear arsenals still contain far too many of these weapons. The theory of nuclear deterrence is too ambiguous to be a stable and global basis of world security and international order. On the contrary, these weapons are per se inhumane and unethical. This is why the NPT was negotiated. The hopes that have been placed by some in the system of deterrence as a strategy for preventing nuclear weapons use and for providing a stable security did not deliver the sort of peace and stability expected.
The risks of nuclear weapons are well known. The nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear states alike are aware of the exceptional instability caused by these weapons. The instability is greater in some regions than in others and more acute in some periods than others. The consequences of this instability are too important to be adopted as a basis for a genuine, peaceful and stable international order. The NPT is far from the idea that the balance of terror is the best basis for the political, economic and cultural stability in the world. The risks and the instability connected with the existence of nuclear weapons are an urgent call to take concrete and effective steps to address this situation by renewing collectively the commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament which stand at the heart of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. There is no doubt that the safest and surest path toward non-use is the mutual and total renunciation of these weapons, and the effective dismantling of the infrastructure on which they depend. It is this vision and commitment of a future without nuclear weapons that brings us together. The NPT is an important instrument for the security of all. The failure to translate in good faith the obligations contained therein constitutes a real threat to the survival of humanity as a whole.
Madam President,
The discriminatory nature of the NPT is well known. The discrimination between countries with and countries without nuclear weapons cannot be a permanent solution. This situation was meant to be provisory. The status quo is unsustainable and undesirable. If it is unthinkable to imagine a world where nuclear weapons are available to all, it is reasonable to imagine, and to work collectively for, a world where nobody has them. Moreover, this is our reading of the letter and the spirit of the NPT.
The very possession of nuclear weapons will continue to come at an enormous financial cost. The expenditures, current and projected, represent resources that could, and indeed should, be put toward the development of societies and people. Pope Francis put it strongly in his message to the President of the Vienna Conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons:
“Spending on nuclear weapons squanders the wealth of nations. To prioritize such spending is a mistake and a misallocation of resources which would be far better invested in the areas of integral human development, education, health and the fight against extreme poverty. When these resources are squandered, the poor and the weak living on the margins of society pay the price.”
In fact, the world faces enormous challenges: extreme poverty, environmental problems, migration flows, military conflicts, economic crises, etc. Only cooperation and solidarity among nations is able to confront them. To continue investing in expensive weapon systems is paradoxical. In particular, to continue investing in the production and the modernization of nuclear weapons is not logical. Billions are wasted each year to develop and maintain stocks that will supposedly never be used. Is it not legitimate to ask the question whether these investments are not in contradiction with the spirit of the NPT?
The possession of nuclear weapons and the reliance on nuclear deterrence have a very negative impact on the inter-relations of states. National security often comes up in discussions on nuclear weapons. This concept shouldn’t be used in a partial and biased manner and never in contradiction with the common good. All States have the right to national security. Why is it that the security of some can only be met with a particular type of weapon, whereas other States must ensure their security without them? On the other hand, reducing peace and the security of States, in practice, to its military dimension is artificial and simplistic. Socioeconomic development, political participation, respect for fundamental human rights, strengthening the rule of law, cooperation and solidarity at the regional and international level, etc. are essential to the national security of States. Is it not urgent to revisit in a transparent and honest manner the definition made by States, especially the nuclear weapons states, of their national security?
We are all aware that the goal of a world without nuclear weapons is not easy to achieve. As many say, it is a complex and difficult issue. All human realities are difficult and complex. But this is neither a reason nor an excuse not to implement the obligations undertaken in conformity with the NPT. For this, all energies and commitments are necessary. They are even more necessary in the times of international tensions. The role of international organizations, religious communities, civil society, and academic institutions is vital to not let hope die, nor to let cynicism and realpolitik take over. Ethics based on the threat of mutually assured destruction is not worthy of future generations.
Lack of concrete and effective nuclear disarmament will lead sooner or later to real risks of nuclear proliferation. This Review Conference is a challenge for all States parties. Failure is not an option. The erosion of the credibility of the NPT could have catastrophic consequences for all countries and for the future of humanity as a whole.
To conclude, I would like to quote again Pope Francis: “Nuclear deterrence and the threat of mutually assured destruction cannot be the basis for an ethics of fraternity and peaceful coexistence among people and states. The youth of today and tomorrow deserve far more. They deserve a peaceful world order based on the unity of the human family, grounded on respect, cooperation, solidarity and compassion.” This is the raison d’être of the NPT.
I thank you, Madam President.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples has teamed up with COATNET in the fight against human trafficking.
Council President, Cardinal Antonio Maria Vegliò, and the Caritas Internationalis International Policy Director on Wednesday presented a “Christian Commitment Paper” on human trafficking which raises awareness in Episcopal Conferences and Church organizations and provides guidelines in the fight against the global slave trade that affects thousands of people.
Linking together many Christian groups which are fighting human trafficking, COATNET (Christian Organizations Against Trafficking in Human Beings) aims to raise public awareness about the phenomenon; fight the root causes of vulnerability; advocate for policies to reduce the vulnerability of people to trafficking; advocate for better anti-trafficking laws; cooperate with authorities, churches and civil society to challenge human trafficking; restore dignity to survivors.
The Paper comes at moment of increasing momentum within the Church – pioneered by Pope Francis – to challenge this form of slavery which the Pope has described as a crime against humanity.
One of those in the front lines and behind the paper is Caritas Internationalis International Policy Director Martina Liebsch who says COATNET had already drawn up a Commitment Paper in 2005 calling for engagement against trafficking, however she says “that document was starting to become outdated” and the new Paper is the result of vaster experience within the area and contains guidelines that are more easily applicable.
Listen to the interview :
“The document is a call to explain what trafficking is, what is behind trafficking but also what can be done by Caritas organizations, other charitable organizations and also by the Church hierarchy” Liebsch says.
Liebsch explains that the document gives some concrete advice on what the Church can do in terms of prevention and sensitization, in terms of assistance to people, in terms of advocacy and in terms of networking.
“We know that we can’t fight this crime alone” she says.
Liebsch says that although sister organizations propel a vast number of activities against this growing form of modern slavery, there is still little cooperation.
She says the second part of the document focusses on how to get things going and on how to approach the issue if you realize there may be a trafficked person in your community, in your parish, in your village – “what can you do to start?”
The document – she says – concludes with some practices which are helpful for the victims in regaining their lives and their dignity.
The full text of the document can be found on the COATNET webpage.
Liebsch also speaks of a video realized in collaboration with the American Embassy to the Holy See which shows that “trafficking has many faces, has many dimensions, it’s not only used for sexual exploitation but also for labour exploitation and through its images it shows that it is often an invisible or difficultly identifiable phenomenon”.
You can watch the video here .
Liebsch says that COATNET is very happy that Pope Francis has taken up the initiative to promote several events highlighting the fact that fighting human trafficking is also a duty of the Church that must “look at it and work against it”.
“This really encouraged us to reach out beyond our network and say: let’s open this commitment which can speak to a person in the hierarchy but can also speak to a person in a parish or in a community” she says.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis appealed for equal pay for equal work today, calling compensation disparity a “pure scandal”. The Holy Father made his remarks during the course of his catechetical reflection on marriage and family at his weekly General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
In discussing the causes of family dissolution, Pope Francis said, “The Christian seed of radical equality between men and women must bring new fruits,” in our time. “The witness of the social dignity of marriage shall become persuasive,” he continued, “precisely by this way: the way of witness that attracts.” The Holy Father went on to say, “For this reason, as Christians, we must become more demanding in this regard: for example, [by] supporting with decision the right to equal retribution for equal work; disparity is a pure scandal.”
“At the same time,” said Pope Francis, “we must recognize the maternity of women and the paternity of men as a perennially valid treasure, for the benefit of children.” The Holy Father went on to praise Christian families’ virtue of hospitality, which is, “of crucial importance today,” especially, he said, “in situations of poverty, degradation and domestic violence.”
It was a theme to which Pope Francis returned in the English-language synthesis read out after the main catechesis in Italian.
Beginning with the crisis of marriage in many societies, Pope Francis said, “Today, society is confronted with fewer marriages. In many countries, separation of couples is increasing, while the number of children is decreasing.” He went on to say, “These broken marriage bonds affect the young most of all, as they come to view marriage as something temporary. Perhaps there is a fear of failure which prevents men and women from trusting in Christ’s promise of grace in marriage and in the family.” Nevertheless, “In truth we know that almost every man and woman desires a secure and lasting relationship, a stable marriage and a happy family.”
“The most effective witness to the blessing of marriage is the good life of Christian spouses and their families,” he said. “The consecration of their love by God is the font of their peace and fidelity. To make these blessings more evident to the world, the equality enjoyed by the spouses must produce new fruit – equal opportunities in the workplace; a new valuing of motherhood and fatherhood; and a greater appreciation for the openness of families to those most in need.”
“Let us not be afraid to invite Jesus and Mary to the marriage feast,” said Pope Francis, “for Christian spouses marry not only for themselves but for the good of the community and for all of society.”
(from Vatican Radio)…
Vatican City – “Christian Commitment – Created in the image of God, treated like slaves….” is the title of the document on combating human trafficking presented today. The result of a joint initiative of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Caritas Internationalis and the COATNET network , the document aims to raise awareness in the Bishops’ Conferences and national Caritas on the phenomenon of trafficking, suggesting the possible initiatives to counter it. “According to ILO estimates, there are at least 2.4 million trafficked persons at any given point in time. Yet there are only a few thousand convictions of traffickers every year. Most of the victims are not identified and consequently never receive justice for the damage inflicted upon them. Despite growing awareness and more effective law enforcement responses, trafficking remains a low-risk criminal enterprise with high returns. The ILO estimates that annual profits generated from trafficking in human beings are as high as US$32 billion”. After providing some food for thought about the reality and the root causes of this “modern form of slavery”, the document points out four options of intervention for the Church: prevention and awareness activities targeted at risk groups, educators and professionals, or to the general public; assistance to trafficked persons by providing them a secure shelter, individual social, medical, psychological and legal assistance, and vocational training; commitment of political advocacy; “Networking” within organizations linked to the Church and the Church itself, to strengthen collaboration and coordination of the various initiatives, as well as with Church-related organizations. One can raise awareness, the document suggests, in communities, schools, parishes and social centers about trafficking; organizing prayers and information events on the International Day against human trafficking ; developing projects aimed at offering assistance to victims; establishing collaboration with other local organizations; advocating for anti-trafficking laws and their enforcement in their respective countries; developing guidelines based on local context….