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                               VIS-Press releases

JAPAN: SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO AVOID NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION

VATICAN CITY, 27 NOV 2010 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received the Letters of
Credence of Hidekazu Yamaguchi, the new Japanese ambassador to the Holy See.

In his address to the diplomat the Pope highlighted Japan's important
contribution "to the spread of peace, democracy and human rights in the Far
East and beyond, especially in developing countries". He likewise expressed the
Holy See's satisfaction at the "financing of development and other forms of
assistance" practiced by Japan.

"Efforts to construct the unity of the human family through international
co-operation will help build a global economy in which all the world comes to
occupy its rightful place and can enjoy, as never before, the earth's
resources", said the Pope. In this context, he encouraged the Japanese
government "to continue its policies of co-operation and development,
particularly in areas that most affect the poorest and weakest".

Going on then to recall that this year marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of
"the tragic atomic bombardment of Hiroshima and Nagasaki",
Benedict XVI said
"this tragedy is an insistent reminder to us of the need to persevere in
efforts to promote disarmament and the non-proliferation of nuclear arms.
Nuclear arms continue to be an important concern; their possession and the risk
of their possible use increase tension and mistrust in many parts of the world.
Your country", he told the ambassador, "should be cited as an
example because
of its constant support for political solutions to avoid the proliferation of
nuclear arms, and for efforts to ensure that war is not considered a way of
resolving conflicts between nations and peoples".

"The Holy See", he concluded, "encourages all nations to
work patiently to
weave a political and economic fabric of peace, in order to promote integral
human development and peoples' authentic aspirations. Part of the finances
allocated for armaments could be devolved to projects of economic and social
development, of education and healthcare. Without doubt this would contribute
to internal stability within countries and among peoples. In these unstable
times for markets and employment, the need to ensure the financing of
development continues to be a constant concern".

The Pope laid emphasis on the important position Japan occupies in the world
economy, noting that "the decisions of its government will continue to have an
impact far beyond its frontiers".

"May all men and women of good will see in the current economic crisis an
opportunity for discernment and for preparing projects characterised by charity
in truth, by solidarity and commitment in an ethically-oriented economy", he
said.

The Holy Father then went on to refer to the freedom of conscience and worship
which exist in Japan, and the opportunity the Catholic Church has "to live in
peace and fraternity with everyone in the country".

"The members of the Catholic Church in Japan", he said,
"have long been
committed to open and respectful dialogue with other religions. ... The Church
has always promoted respect for human beings in their integrity and their
spiritual dimension, being an essential element common to all cultures which
finds expression in the personal search for the sacred through the practice of
religion. ... I wish to ensure the Japanese people", Pope Benedict concluded,
"of the great respect with which the Catholic Church undertakes inter-
religious dialogue, while remaining firmly committed to fostering mutual trust,
understanding and friendship, for the benefit of the entire human family".
CD/VIS 20101129 (570)

SUMMARY

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