Airport security should serve and respect individuals, Pope says
February 22, 2010
During a February 20 meeting with Italian aviation officials, Pope Benedict XVI said that air-traffic regulations must respect "the primacy of the person." Some reporters saw the Pope's words as a protest against body-scanning security devices, although the Pontiff never mentioned the imaging machines.
Pope Benedict did allude to the difficulties cause for the aviation industry by economic problems and by international terrorism. He cautioned that officials must be sure that their focus is on the person, "to be protected and appreciated," and that travelers are seen as ends rather than means. The Pope reminded his visitors that the Church provides chaplains at many airports, to serve travelers but especially to benefit the airport personnel.
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Further information:
- Holy Father Meets Italian Civil Aviation Associations (VIS)
- Pope Benedict XVI criticises airport body scanners (Daily Telegraph)
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