Pope discusses Middle East, human trafficking with UN General Assembly President
(Vatican Radio) The scourge of human trafficking and the continued tension in the
Middle East were the focus of Pope Francis’ concerns in discussions with the President
of the United Nations General Assembly, Serbian native Vuk Jeremic.
Mr Jeremic
later went on to meet with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti
respectively Secretary of State and Secretary for Relations with States.
A
statement issued following the ‘cordial’ meeting reads: “A number of issues of mutual
interest were discussed in particular the resolution of international conflicts through
peaceful means, with specific reference to the Middle East, and the serious humanitarian
emergencies caused by them. In this context the importance of reconciliation between
the various communities that make up society and respect for the rights of ethnic
and religious minorities was recognized. The problem of human trafficking was also
dwelt upon as well as the plight of refugees and migrants .
With regard
to the present global economic crisis, reference was made to the role that the UN
General Assembly could assume in programs for the sustainable development agenda after
2015, which respects the environment and at the same time is capable of reducing the
distance between rich and poor.
Today's meeting confirmed the Holy See's
appreciation for the central role of the Organization in the search for the common
good of humanity. Mention was made of the contribution that the Catholic Church also
makes, with the means proper to and in accordance with her identity, in favor of the
promotion of integral human dignity, peace and a culture of encounter, hoping that
those values can always inspire the General Assembly’s debates and deliberations".