Pope: Aid to the People of Georgia, an End to Ethnic Hatred

(17 Aug 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI has appealed for the immediate creation of a humanitarian corridor to get aid to hundreds of thousands of refugees in Georgia.


In an Angelus address resonant in meaning the Holy Father also said the rights of ethnic minorities caught up in the conflict between Russia and Georgia must be respected.


Pope Benedict was speaking this Sunday from his Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo.
From the window of his study he told the pilgrims gathered in the small enclosed courtyard that he was closely following the worrying developments in Georgia. For the past week battles between Georgian troops and Russian tanks and aircraft in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, have raised towns and villages, killing thousands and forcing thousands more to flee.


On Sunday the third day of a fragile ceasefire of sorts, Pope Benedict called for the “opening, without delay, of a humanitarian corridor between the region of southern Ossetia and the rest of Georgia, so that the dead, still abandoned, can receive a dignified burial, the wounded can be properly treated, and those who want to reach their loved ones can do so”.


Pope Benedict expressed his hope that "the current cease-fire, reached thanks to the contribution of the European Union, may be reinforced and transformed into stable peace” and he invited the international community “to continue offering its support for the establishment of a lasting solution through dialogue and common good will".


Finally, the Holy Father also appealed that “the grave difficulties of the refugees be alleviated with generosity, especially for the women and children, who lack even what they need to survive". And he asked that "the ethnic minorities involved in the conflict be guaranteed safety, and those fundamental rights that can never be trampled upon".


Indeed in commenting on this Sunday’s liturgy, Pope Benedict had reflected on” The universality of the mission of the Church, made up of peoples of every race and culture".


Ahead of the Angelus appeal the Pope said that "it is important, above all in our time, that every Christian community deepen this awareness for the sake of helping civil society to overcome any temptation of racism, intolerance, and exclusion”. He noted that “One of the great achievements of humanity is, in fact, the overcoming of racism” but added that “Unfortunately, there are worrying new signs of this in various countries, often connected to social and economic problems, which nonetheless can never justify disrespect and racial discrimination".


Pope Benedict then turned his thoughts and prayers to the countless victims of road accidents, particularly in Italy where the Summer season has brought a increase in deadly car crashes. He urged people not to "grow accustomed to this sad reality”, “human life is too valuable” he added, “and it is unfit for man to die or be crippled by causes that, in most cases, could be avoided”. He said “a greater sense of responsibility is certainly necessary. Driving a vehicle on the public roads requires a moral sense and a civic sense of duty".


A final thought and prayer this Sunday went to the bishop of Bolzano, Wilhelm Egger, who died Saturday evening from a sudden heart attack. Bishop Egger who was 68, had hosted Pope Benedict at Bressanone major seminary, for his vacation recent weeks.