Pope Francis writes letter to President Putin of Russia ahead of G20 summit
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has written a letter to President Vladimir Putin of
Russia as he prepares to host this year's G20 summit in St. Petersburg. Listen to
Lydia O'Kane's report
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."