Joint Communiqué following the working dinner between HM Government and the Papal
Delegation, 17 September 2010
Joint Communiqué following the working dinner between HM Government and the Papal
Delegation, 17 September 2010
Her Majesty’s Government hosted a dinner on 17
September for the Holy See delegation accompanying Pope Benedict XVI on his official
visit to the UK, headed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, H.E. Cardinal Bertone.
The U.K. side was headed by the Foreign Secretary – the Rt. Hon. William Hague, M.P.
Those present included a number of senior British Government Ministers and senior
officials from the Holy See. The discussion covered a range of areas of shared interest
between the U.K. Government and the Holy See. Her Majesty’s Government and the
Holy See share a commitment to bringing an end to poverty and underdevelopment. On
the eve of a summit in New York to review progress towards implementing the Millennium
Development Goals, they share the conviction that more needs to be done to address
the unnecessary suffering caused by hunger, diseases and illiteracy. Strong political
leadership and respect for the ethos of local communities are necessary in the promotion
of the right to life, food, health and development for all. The British Government
and the Holy See share a conviction of the urgent need for action to address the challenge
of climate change. Action is needed at every level from the governmental to the individual
if we are to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to set in motion the transition
to a global low-carbon economy, and to assist poor and vulnerable countries to adapt
to the impacts of climate change that are already inevitable. We had a good exchange
of views on a variety of social and economic issues, recognising the essential role
played by faith in the lives of individuals and as part of the fabric of a strong,
generous, tolerant society. The visit of Pope Benedict XVI provided the opportunity
to develop a deeper exchange of views between the Holy See and the U.K. Government.
Tonight’s discussion provided a useful basis for both sides to continue to pursue
initiatives and discussions on areas of common interest to the UK and the Holy See.
/fine.