British Ambassador reacts to papal address to diplomats

(Vatican Radio) Fighting material and spiritual poverty, building bridges and an appeal to intensify dialogue with other religions, particularly Islam, were the main issues touched on by Pope Francis in his address to diplomats accredited to the Holy See

“Pope Francis is already demonstrating an ability to say a great deal in a very few words,” said Niger Baker, the British Ambassador to the Holy See. “He touched on many of the key issues that are facing us as diplomats, as representatives of governments in the world today. He focused on poverty, he focused on peace, on the need to build bridges, he focused on the need to protect the environment.”

Ambassador Baker told Vatican Radio the Holy Father is touching on the critical issues of the day.

“I think we all appreciated enormously that global vision… on these great challenges facing us today,” he said.

Listen to the extended interview by Suzy Hodges with Ambassador Nigel Baker: