(May 15, 2013) “The Holy See condemns the use of terrorism in all its forms and
rejects in particular the manipulation of religion in an attempt to justify attacks
against innocent life,” said Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations
on Wednesday. Addressing UN’s Security Council’s debate on “The challenges of
the fight against terrorism in Africa in the context of maintaining international
peace and security,” Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Francis Chullikatt said “When
terrorism is perpetrated in the name of religion, religious leaders must emphatically
reiterate that violence in the name of religion is the very antithesis of religion
and contributes to its destruction.” He said “The unacceptable proliferation
of terrorism in all regions of the world, particularly in Africa, requires condemnation
in absolute terms, since acts of terrorism strike at the very heart of human dignity
and constitute an offence against all Humanity”. In responding to terrorism
and protecting against terrorist attacks, sight should not be lost of the victims
of terrorism, said Archbishop Chullikatt , adding that such people and their communities
should receive the support necessary to guide them in their grieving and rehabilitation.
Recalling the words of Pope Francis stated in response to recent terrorist attacks,
“ e united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good,
working together to build an ever more just, free and secure society for generations
yet to come”, Archbishop Chullikatt concluded saying “ the Holy See remains committed
to confronting terrorism and building societies respectful of life, promoting interreligious
dialogue and social, cultural and economic development”. Sedoc: