Cardinal Laghi's Statement Following Meeting with Bush
I was privileged to have been sent by the Holy Father as his Special Envoy to President George Bush. I assured him of
the Holy Father's great esteem and affection for the American people and the United States of America.
The purpose of my visit was to deliver a personal message of the Holy Father to the President regarding the Iraqi
crisis, to expound upon the Holy See's position and to report on the various initiatives undertaken by the Holy See to
contribute to disarmament and peace in the Middle East.
Out of respect for the President and because of the importance of this moment, I am not in a position to discuss the
substance of our conversation, nor am I able to release the text of the personal letter of the Holy Father to the
President.
The Holy See is urging those in positions of civil authority to take fully into account all aspects of this crisis. In
that regard, the Holy See's position has been two-fold. First, the Iraqi government is obliged to fulfill completely and
fully its international obligations regarding human rights and disarmament under the UN resolutions with respect for
international norms. Second, these obligations and their fulfillment must continue to be pursued within the framework of
the United Nations.
The Holy See maintains that there are still peaceful avenues within the context of the vast patrimony of international
law and institutions which exist for that purpose. A decision regarding the use of military force can only be taken
within the framework of the United Nations, but always taking into account the grave consequences of such an armed
conflict: the suffering of the people of Iraq and those involved in the military operation, a further instability in the
region, and a new gulf between Islam and Christianity.
I want to emphasize that there is great unity on this grave matter on the part of the Holy See, the Bishops in the
United States, and the Church throughout the world.
I told the President that today, on Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world are following the Pope's request to pray
and fast for peace this day. The Holy Father himself continues to pray and hope that all leaders who face difficult
decisions will be inspired in their search for peace.
ENDS