Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The Middle East and human trafficking were the central theme during dicussions this morning between Pope Francis and the UN General Assembly president Vuk Jeremic. Jeremic also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Msgr. Dominique Mamberti in the Apostolic Palace,.
"A number of issues of mutual interest were discussed - read a statement
from the Vatican - in particular the resolution of international conflicts
through peaceful means, with specific reference to the Middle East, and the
serious humanitarian emergencies caused by them. In this context the importance
of reconciliation between the various communities that make up society and
respect for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities was recognized. The
problem of human trafficking was also dwelt upon as well as the plight of
refugees and migrants " .
"With regard to the present global economic crisis, reference was made to
the role that the UN General Assembly could assume in programs for the
sustainable development agenda after 2015, which respects the environment and
at the same time is capable of reducing the distance between rich and poor.
"
"Today's meeting confirmed the Holy See's appreciation for the central
role of the Organization in the search for the common good of humanity. Mention
was made of the contribution that the Catholic Church also makes, with the
means proper to and in accordance with her identity, in favor of the promotion
of integral human dignity, peace and a culture of encounter, hoping that those
values can always inspire the General
Assembly's debates and deliberations".