Pope Francis laments arms trade, forced migration

May 15, 2014

Addressing new ambassadors from seven nations to the Holy See, Pope Francis decried the arms trade and the phenomenon of forced migration in the wake of conflict.

“Everyone talks about peace, all claim to want it, but unfortunately the proliferation of weapons of any kind leads in the opposite direction,” he said. “Let us join our voices in hoping that the international community should give rise to a new season of courageous and concerted effort against the increase of armaments and for their reduction.”

“The phenomenon of forced migration is closely linked to conflicts and wars, and therefore also to the problem of proliferation of weapons,” he added. “It is time to deal with the issue in a serious and responsible political perspective, involving all levels,” from the international to the local.

“There are stories that make us weep,” Pope Francis said. Migrants sometimes “face grueling journeys and suffer blackmail, torture, harassment,” only to die in the desert or at sea.

 

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Further information:

• Le Lettere Credenziali degli Ambasciatori di: Svizzera, Liberia, Etiopia, Sudan, Giamaica, Sud Africa, India (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis: discourse to diplomats (Vatican Radio)