Pope commends Japan’s commitment to peace

(Nov. 13, 2006) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday welcomed Japan’s new ambassador to the Holy See and encouraged the nation in its commitment to a just and lasting peace in the world, especially in the Korean peninsula, by promoting inter-religious and intercultural values. Receiving the credentials of Ambassador Kagefumi Ueno, the Pope commended Japan’s promotion of fundamental human values through its rich cultural and spiritual traditions, saying recognizing the spiritual dimension of society leads to an authentic dialogue between religions and cultures. He explained that inter-religious and intercultural collaboration has many possible spheres of activities, especially in creating a just society, world peace and in the fight against poverty in a greater spirit of solidarity. The search for peace among nations must be a priority in international relations, the Pope said, adding that the crises facing the world today cannot find a definitive solution in violence. On the contrary, he said, these crises can be solved only by peaceful means, respecting agreements. In fact, the Pope said, experience shows that violence can never be the right answer to society's problems, because it destroys man's dignity, life and freedom which it claims to defend.
Hailing Japan’s commitment to peace the Pope encouraged its people to continue its efforts towards establishing a just and lasting peace in the world, particularly in the de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula. He also invited the international community to intensify its humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable populations, particularly in North Korea. The Pontiff commended Japan’s generous aid to the world’s poorest countries, saying such actions contribute to greater solidarity and eliminate the harmful consequences of the great divide between the rich and the poor.