VATICAN CITY, APR 18, 2007 (VIS) - Late today, the Holy See Press Office released a communique concerning this afternoon's meeting between His Holiness Benedict XVI and Ban Ki-moon, secretary general of the United Nations Organization.
"The meeting," the communique reads, "was part of a series of audiences that in the past Supreme Pontiffs, and in particular Pope John Paul II, have granted to secretaries general of the United Nations, as a sign, among other things, of the Holy See's appreciation for the vital role played by the UN in maintaining peace in the world and promoting the development of peoples.
"Ban Ki-moon wished to meet the Holy Father in the course of his first trips to Africa, Europe and the Middle East, a few months after coming into office on January 1 this year, also in order to present him with an official invitation to visit the headquarters of the United Nations.
"His Holiness and Ban Ki-moon discussed themes of mutual interest, such as restoring faith in multilateralism and reinforcing dialogue between cultures, and they did not fail to consider international questions deserving of particular attention.
"Mention was also made of the contribution that the Catholic Church and the Holy See can give - on the basis of their identity and with their own specific means - to the activities of the United Nations in solving current conflicts and achieving agreement between States.
"The audience with the Pope was followed by a fruitful encounter with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States."
OP/VISIT UN SECRETARY GENERAL/KI-MOON VIS 20070420 (280)
"The meeting," the communique reads, "was part of a series of audiences that in the past Supreme Pontiffs, and in particular Pope John Paul II, have granted to secretaries general of the United Nations, as a sign, among other things, of the Holy See's appreciation for the vital role played by the UN in maintaining peace in the world and promoting the development of peoples.
"Ban Ki-moon wished to meet the Holy Father in the course of his first trips to Africa, Europe and the Middle East, a few months after coming into office on January 1 this year, also in order to present him with an official invitation to visit the headquarters of the United Nations.
"His Holiness and Ban Ki-moon discussed themes of mutual interest, such as restoring faith in multilateralism and reinforcing dialogue between cultures, and they did not fail to consider international questions deserving of particular attention.
"Mention was also made of the contribution that the Catholic Church and the Holy See can give - on the basis of their identity and with their own specific means - to the activities of the United Nations in solving current conflicts and achieving agreement between States.
"The audience with the Pope was followed by a fruitful encounter with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States."
OP/VISIT UN SECRETARY GENERAL/KI-MOON VIS 20070420 (280)
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