Pope Francis: message to UN

September 25, 2014

Archbishop Bernardito Auza has delivered his first address as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and read out a message from Pope Francis as the international body began its 69th General Assembly.

“We cannot construct a world more genuinely human unless each one of us devotes himself or herself to the cause of peace with ever-renewed vigor, and make the pursuit of peace a constant rule of life,” said Archbishop Auza, who was appointed to his position in July. “Let it, therefore, be our daily aim to be an instrument and a channel of peace. Moreover, for believers, peace is not merely a result of our human efforts, but also a gift from the Almighty.”

In the papal message, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stated that “as the Assembly prepares to discuss sustainable development and improved quality of life as means to further peace, prosperity and security throughout the world, His Holiness encourages all nations to keep the dignity of every human person foremost in their deliberations.”

“In this way, he hopes that solutions may be sought which promote peace among peoples and which confront poverty through the valuing of fraternal relationships in the heart of families and communities, through the sharing of joys and sorrows, of hardships and triumphs that are part of human life,” Cardinal Parolin continued, as he conveyed the Pope’s prayers.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: Message to 69th General Assembly of the UN (Vatican Radio)