Cablegate: Pope's Calls for Just World Order, Attention to Terrorism,

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DEPT. PLS PASS EUR/WE (LARREA); AF/E

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL SU VT
SUBJECT: POPE'S CALLS FOR JUST WORLD ORDER, ATTENTION TO TERRORISM,
DARFUR

1. (U) Pope Benedict XVI used his first Christmas message to
the city of Rome and the world (Urbi et Orbi) to focus attention
on the threat of terrorism and the humanitarian crises around
the world. (Complete text of the speech was emailed to EUR/WE.)
With an audience of hundreds of millions via television and
radio, the pope also drew attention to poverty, weapons
proliferation, pandemics and the environment.

2. (U) Benedict XVI called for a united humanity to confront
the "menace of terrorism." The pontiff devoted the greater part
of his international review to Africa, invoking God's blessing
on all who "work for peace, integral development and the
prevention of fratricidal conflicts." He encouraged efforts to
protect basic human rights in Darfur and other regions of
central Africa. Pope Benedict called for the resolution of
tensions in the Middle East, including the Palestinian
Territories, Israel and Lebanon, as well as on the Korean
Peninsula.

3. (SBU) Comment. Vatican FM officials have been pressing to
keep Darfur on the papal agenda and will be encouraged that
Benedict XVI used his first Urbi et Orbi message to draw
attention once again to the situation there. Representatives
from the Sant'Egidio Community (involved in Darfur negotiations
in Rome and Africa) told us December 25 that they too were
heartened by the pope's mention of Darfur. End comment.

ROONEY

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