VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received the Letters of Credence of Iraq's new ambassador to the Holy See, Abdul-Amir Al-Anbari.
Speaking English, the Pope told the ambassador in his opening remarks of his "esteem for the Iraqi people, whom I remember daily in my prayers, especially in light of the continuing difficulties which they face. As the embargo in your country continues to claim victims, I renew my appeal to the international community that innocent people should not be made to pay the consequences of a destructive war whose effects are still being felt by those who are weakest and most vulnerable."
"Today's world," he continued, "although sadly afflicted in many regions by tension, violence and armed conflict, is seeking greater equity and stability so that the whole human family can live in true justice and everlasting peace. These are not abstract concepts or remote ideals, rather they are values which dwell in the heart of every individual and nation, to which all peoples have a right."
John Paul II affirmed that "it is precisely the pursuit of this justice and this peace which is the driving force behind every activity of the Holy See in the area of international diplomacy." Quoting from his January 13 speech to the diplomatic corps, he stated that "the Holy See firmly believes ... 'that without social solidarity or recourse to law and the instruments of international diplomacy, these terrible situations would be even more dramatic and could become unresolvable'."
"The Holy See therefore sees as one of its principal duties that of reminding public opinion that 'no authority, no political program and no ideology is entitled to reduce human beings to what they can do or produce'. The inalienable rights and personal dignity of every human being must be upheld, the transcendent dimension of the human person must be defended'," as must be "'the religious dimension of human beings and human history ... (which) is a vital element in shaping the person and the society to which people belong'."
"In this context," the Pope said in conclusion, "my thoughts turn naturally to the members of the Iraqi Catholic community. Together with their Muslim countrymen, Iraqi Christians wish to work for unity and harmony. Their Christian faith and values inspire them to cultivate a spirit of mutual respect, with pride in their national identity and concern for the progress of their country."
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