n a letter to Putin, Pope appeals to G20 nations to seek peace
Sept 05, 2013: Pope Francis once again appeals for peace in a letter to President
Vladimir Putin of Russia as he prepares to host this year's G20 summit in St. Petersburg.
He has criticized the Heads of State and Government of the twenty most powerful economies
with two-thirds of the world’s population and ninety per cent of global GDP, for not
having international security as its principal purpose. Nevertheless, he hopes the
meeting will surely not forget the situation in the Middle East and particularly in
Syria.
He has stated “It is regrettable that, from the very beginning of the
conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have prevailed and in fact hindered the search
for a solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding. The leaders
of the G20 cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic situation of the beloved Syrian
people which has lasted far too long, and even risks bringing greater suffering to
a region bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace. To the leaders, I make a
heartfelt appeal to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay
aside the futile pursuit of a military solution. He concludes assuring the leaders
of his constant prayers for the successful outcome of the G20 summit and has invoked
God’s blessings on them.
Below is the full text of the Pope's letter to
President Putin.
To His Excellency Mr Vladimir Putin President of the
Russian Federation
"In the course of this year, you have the honour and the
responsibility of presiding over the Group of the twenty largest economies in the
world. I am aware that the Russian Federation has participated in this group from
the moment of its inception and has always had a positive role to play in the promotion
of good governance of the world’s finances, which have been deeply affected by the
crisis of 2008. In today’s highly interdependent context, a global financial framework
with its own just and clear rules is required in order to achieve a more equitable
and fraternal world, in which it is possible to overcome hunger, ensure decent employment
and housing for all, as well as essential healthcare. Your presidency of the G20 this
year has committed itself to consolidating the reform of the international financial
organizations and to achieving a consensus on financial standards suited to today’s
circumstances. However, the world economy will only develop if it allows a dignified
way of life for all human beings, from the eldest to the unborn child, not just for
citizens of the G20 member states but for every inhabitant of the earth, even those
in extreme social situations or in the remotest places. From this standpoint,
it is clear that, for the world’s peoples, armed conflicts are always a deliberate
negation of international harmony, and create profound divisions and deep wounds which
require many years to heal. Wars are a concrete refusal to pursue the great economic
and social goals that the international community has set itself, as seen, for example,
in the Millennium Development Goals. Unfortunately, the many armed conflicts which
continue to afflict the world today present us daily with dramatic images of misery,
hunger, illness and death. Without peace, there can be no form of economic development.
Violence never begets peace, the necessary condition for development. The meeting
of the Heads of State and Government of the twenty most powerful economies, with two-thirds
of the world’s population and ninety per cent of global GDP, does not have international
security as its principal purpose. Nevertheless, the meeting will surely not forget
the situation in the Middle East and particularly in Syria. It is regrettable that,
from the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have prevailed
and in fact hindered the search for a solution that would have avoided the senseless
massacre now unfolding. The leaders of the G20 cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic
situation of the beloved Syrian people which has lasted far too long, and even risks
bringing greater suffering to a region bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace.
To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them
to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile
pursuit of a military solution. Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek,
with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation
of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community. Moreover, all
governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance
to those suffering because of the conflict, both within and beyond the country’s borders.
Mr President, in the hope that these thoughts may be a valid spiritual contribution
to your meeting, I pray for the successful outcome of the G20’s work on this occasion.
I invoke an abundance of blessings upon the Summit in Saint Petersburg, upon the participants
and the citizens of the member states, and upon the work and efforts of the 2013 Russian
Presidency of the G20. While requesting your prayers, I take this opportunity
to assure you, Mr President, of my highest consideration."