Terrorism uses violence in God's name, says Pope

(Sept. 23, 2007) Terrorism is a serious problem, says Benedict XVI, and one in which violence and disregard for human life is used in God's name. He was addressing participants of the executive council meeting of the Centrist Democrat International, a global political party that promotes Christian democracy. The encounter took place on Sept. 21 at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. The Holy Father said that terrorism "is a serious problem whose perpetrators often claim to act in God's name and harbor an inexcusable contempt for human life." He said that the violent acts are based on the "charge that society has forgotten God: an accusation shamelessly exploited by some terrorist networks in an attempt to justify their threats against global security." "Terrorism needs to be fought with determination and effectiveness, mindful that if the mystery of evil is widespread today, the solidarity of mankind in goodness is an even more pervasive mystery," Pope Benedict added.