Friday, September 06, 2013

Pope's Letter to G20



Mr Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation


"In the course of this year, you have the honour and the responsibility of presiding over the Group of the twenty largest economies in the world. I am aware that the Russian Federation has participated in this group from the moment of its inception and has always had a positive role to play in the promotion of good governance of the world’s finances, which have been deeply affected by the crisis of 2008.
In today’s highly interdependent context, a global financial framework with its own just and clear rules is required in order to achieve a more equitable and fraternal world, in which it is possible to overcome hunger, ensure decent employment and housing for all, as well as essential healthcare. Your presidency of the G20 this year has committed itself to consolidating the reform of the international financial organizations and to achieving a consensus on financial standards suited to today’s circumstances. However, the world economy will only develop if it allows a dignified way of life for all human beings, from the eldest to the unborn child, not just for citizens of the G20 member states but for every inhabitant of the earth, even those in extreme social situations or in the remotest places.
From this standpoint, it is clear that, for the world’s peoples, armed conflicts are always a deliberate negation of international harmony, and create profound divisions and deep wounds which require many years to heal. Wars are a concrete refusal to pursue the great economic and social goals that the international community has set itself, as seen, for example, in the Millennium Development Goals. Unfortunately, the many armed conflicts which continue to afflict the world today present us daily with dramatic images of misery, hunger, illness and death. Without peace, there can be no form of economic development. Violence never begets peace, the necessary condition for development.
The meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the twenty most powerful economies, with two-thirds of the world’s population and ninety per cent of global GDP, does not have international security as its principal purpose. Nevertheless, the meeting will surely not forget the situation in the Middle East and particularly in Syria. It is regrettable that, from the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have prevailed and in fact hindered the search for a solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding. The leaders of the G20 cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic situation of the beloved Syrian people which has lasted far too long, and even risks bringing greater suffering to a region bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace. To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution. Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community. Moreover, all governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance to those suffering because of the conflict, both within and beyond the country’s borders.
Mr President, in the hope that these thoughts may be a valid spiritual contribution to your meeting, I pray for the successful outcome of the G20’s work on this occasion. I invoke an abundance of blessings upon the Summit in Saint Petersburg, upon the participants and the citizens of the member states, and upon the work and efforts of the 2013 Russian Presidency of the G20.
While requesting your prayers, I take this opportunity to assure you, Mr President, of my highest consideration."


From the Vatican, 4 September 2013

(Signed)
Francis

6 comments:

Physiocrat said...

Is that all? There appear to be a few paragraphs missing.

"Finally, I would commend to you the Catholic Social Teaching documents issued under the names of my predecessors in the Chair of Peter. In particular I would draw attention to...

"Vix Pervenit: On Usury and Other Dishonest Profit promulgated by Pope Benedict XIV in 1745.

"Rerum Novarum "Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor" issued by Pope Leo XIII in 1891.

"Quadragesimo Anno on reconstruction of the social order issued by Pope Pius XI in 1931.

"Mater et Magistra, encyclical written by Pope John XXIII on the topic of "Christianity and Social Progress", issued in 1961.

"Caritas in Veritate issued by my predecessor in 2009, which deals with the problems with the problems of global development and progress towards the common good, arguing that both Love and Truth are essential elements of an effective response."

Gungarius said...

Whatever Putins failings, he seems to be the only one talking sense on this issue.

Thirty years ago it would have been unimaginable to be tuning into the successor or Radio Moscow International (ie Russia Today) in order to get a viewpoint that counters the state propaganda pushed out on the BBC

Russia has indeed been converted and they seem determined not to abandon the orthodox Christians of Syria to the fate we in the west abandoned Iraq's Chaldean Catholics to.

Jacobi said...

The Pope’s message is clear, in that further violence will solve nothing! Pressure from the world powers for negotiation is the only moral way forward.

It seems obvious that a gas, probably sarin, has been used.

But by whom? This must be established.

Logic suggests the Syrian government would not use this gas. On the other hand it is certainly available on the “market”, as was shown in Japan.

nickbris said...

Just about the worst place in the World for a Christian to be at the moment is Syria and anybody having the ability to do so will be wanting to get as far away from Damascus as possible. They are about to receive aid in the shape of thousands of tons of High Explosive delivered willy-nilly by the saviours of the Free World.

The democracy seeking terrorists have just taken and destroyed the last village in the region that still uses the language of Jesus,Aramaic.

This is just the beginning,it will not end until all the enemies or supposed enemies of Israel have been destroyed

Unknown said...

Good in essence but we need the pope to give Almighty God specific mention and the peace only He can bring to a world riven with egoism, greed and hatred. Why do the post-conciliar popes always appear to avoid reminding our leaders that they can little without resort to His help?

Jeremiah Methuselah said...

Father Blake,

Please DO NOT STOP ! Sorry for shouting, but I do hope you will be dissuaded by these less than worthy people. But if you decide to do so, we shall all support you with prayer and shall respect your wise decision.

Well, I had written to Mr Gardner and to Rev Coates, before I read the comments, some excellent posts here, which I enjoyed and support so, let me say right away that I think it is WRONG and UNCHRISTIAN to call anyone scum etc. This man seems to be trying to apologise, I hope I am right. If I were you Father, I would defo find it immensely difficult to meet him, that’s for sure, anyone can see that, but … if a good result emerges from all this, then, Jubilate Deo. I used to be so quick to anger, it was seldom a clever idea, but that is anything but a criticism, believe me, just an old toppie’s mutterings.

Thus speaks an old man.

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