Pope salutes Red Cross, appeals for hostages and innocent victims of war

June 24, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI called attention to the innocent victims of warfare, and saluted the international agencies dedicated to helping them-- particularly the Red Cross-- as he concluded his weekly public audience on June 24.

The Pope met with Radhika Coomaraswamy, the UN's undersecretary-general, who has special oversight for efforts to help children caught up in armed violence. "The Pope remains close to all these young victims and always remembers them in his prayers," he said.

The Pontiff went on to recall the establishment of the Red Cross in 1859, noting that it was the 150th anniversary of the founding of that "great movement to assist the victims of war."

While speaking about those caught up in warfare, the Pope made an appeal for the release of all hostages, making special mention of Eugeni Vagni, a Red Cross worker who is being held in the Philippines.

 

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Further information:

• Pope recalls children in war zones, Red Cross, hostages (VIS)