Papal message expresses hope for UN's Humanitarian Summit

May 23, 2016

Pope Francis has sent a message of support for the First World Humanitarian Summit, which is taking place in Istanbul this week under UN auspices.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, the Holy Father writes that he hopes the UN meeting witll be "a turning point for the lives of millions of people who need protection, care, and assistance, and seek a dignified future." 

"We cannot deny that many interests today prevent solutions to conflicts, and that military, economic, and geopolitical strategies displace persons and peoples and impose the god of money, the god of power," the Pope writes. He calls for "a renewed commitment ot protect each person in their daily life and to protect their dignity and human rights, their security and their comprehensive needs."

 

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Further information:

• The Pope writes to the general secretary of the United Nations: lessons in humanity from the victims of war and persecution (Vatican press office)