Pope Francis has called on the G20 countries to bring about a “definitive halt to the unjust aggression” directed at different religious and ethnic groups, including minorities, in the Middle East.
According to Vatican Radio, the Pope made his comments in a letter to the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott ahead of the G20 summit which will take place in Brisbane this weekend.
In the letter, Pope Francis said that “it has become more and more evident that the solution to this grave problem cannot be a purely military one, but must also focus on those who in one way or another encourage terrorist groups through political support, the illegal oil trade or the provision of arms and technology.”
The letter continued: “There is also a need for education and a heightened awareness that religion may not be exploited as a means of justifying violence.”
The Pope also urged support for the victims of persecution, especially those who have to flee their homes and countries.
“The situation in the Middle East has revived debate about the responsibility of the international community to protect individuals and peoples from extreme attacks on human rights and a total disregard for humanitarian law,” Pope Francis said…Read More
Source and Original Content by Catholic Herald