VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - # 167
DATE 30-09-2014

Summary:
- Cardinal Parolin to the United Nations: unity of action for the common good
- Audiences
- Other Pontifical Acts

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 Cardinal Parolin to the United Nations: unity of action for the common good
 Vatican City, 30 September 2014 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro
Parolin spoke yesterday at the 69th Session of the General Assembly of the
United Nations, which included a debate on the Transformative Development
Agenda, among other themes.
 Cardinal Parolin, speaking in English, emphasised that the Holy See values the
United Nations' efforts to ensure world peace, respect for human dignity, the
protection of persons, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, and
harmonious economic and social development. However, quoting Pope Francis, he
remarked that there is the danger of widespread indifference in our time,
affecting not only the field of politics but also economic and social sectors,
"since an important part of humanity does not share in the benefits of progress
and is in fact relegated to the status of second-class citizens". He added, "at
times, such apathy is synonymous with irresponsibility. This is the case today,
when a union of States, which was created with the fundamental goal of saving
generations from the horror of war that brings untold sorrow to humanity,
remains passive in the face of hostilities suffered by defenceless
populations". In this context, the Cardinal repeated Pope Francis' appeal to
the international community this August to "take action to end the humanitarian
tragedy now under way" in the north of Iraq.
 He went on to speak in further detail about the situation in Iraq and Syria,
where "we are seeing a totally new phenomenon: the existence of a terrorist
organisation which threatens all states, vowing to dissolve them and replace
them with a pseudo-religious world government". Unfortunately, he continued,
even today "there are those who would presume to wield power by coercing
consciences ... persecuting and murdering in the name of God. These actions
bring injury to entire ethnic groups, populations and ancient cultures. It must
be remembered that such violence is born of a disregard for God and falsifies
religion itself, since religion aims at ... making it clear that each human
being is the image of the Creator. In a world of global communications, this
new phenomenon has found followers in numerous places, and has succeeded in
attracting from around the world young people who are often disillusioned by a
widespread indifference and a dearth of values in wealthier societies. This
challenge, in all its tragic aspects, should compel the international community
to promote a unified response, based on solid juridical criteria and a
collective willingness to cooperate for the common good".
 "To this end, the Holy See considers it useful to focus attention on two major
areas. The first is to address the cultural and political origins of
contemporary challenges, acknowledging the need for innovative strategies to
confront these international problems in which cultural factors play a
fundamental role. The second area for consideration is a further study of the
effectiveness of international law today, namely its successful implementation
by those mechanisms used by the United Nations to prevent war, stop aggressors,
protect populations and help victims".
 Cardinal Parolin continued, "The situation today requires a more incisive
understanding of this law, giving particular attention to the 'responsibility
to protect'. In fact, one of the characteristics of the recent terrorist
phenomenon is that it disregards the existence of the state and, in fact, the
entire international order. ... It also undermines and rejects all existing
juridical systems, attempting to impose dominion over consciences and complete
control over persons. The global nature of this phenomenon, which knows no
borders, is precisely why the framework of international law offers the only
viable way of dealing with this urgent challenge. This reality requires a
renewed United Nations that undertakes to foster and preserve peace. ... The
present situation, therefore, though indeed quite serious, is an occasion for
the member states of the United Nations Organisation to honour the very spirit
of the Charter of the United Nations by speaking out on the tragic conflicts
which are tearing apart entire peoples and nations. It is disappointing that,
up to now, the international community has been characterised by contradictory
voices and even by silence with regard to the conflicts in Syria, the Middle
East and Ukraine. It is paramount that there be a unity of action for the
common good, avoiding the cross-fire of vetoes. ... In summary, the promotion
of a culture of peace calls for renewed efforts in favour of dialogue, cultural
appreciation and cooperation, while respecting the variety of sensibilities.
... Ultimately, there must be a genuine willingness to apply thoroughly the
current mechanisms of law, while at the same time remaining open to the
implications of this crucial moment. This will ensure a multilateral approach
that will better serve human dignity, and protect and advance integral human
development throughout the world".
 With reference to the approval of the Transformative Development Agenda,
Cardinal Parolin confirmed that the Holy See welcomes the 'Sustainable
Development Goals' proposed by the Working Group (Open Working Group for
Sustainable Goals), which seek to address the structural causes of poverty by
promoting dignified work for all. "Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the
efforts of the United Nations and of many people of good will, the number of
the poor and excluded is increasing not only in developing nations but also in
developed ones. The 'responsibility to protect', as stated earlier, refers to
extreme aggressions against human rights, cases of serious contempt for
humanitarian law or grave natural catastrophes. In a similar way, there is a
need to make legal provision for protecting people against other forms of
aggression, which are less evident but just as serious and real. For example, a
financial system governed only by speculation and the maximisation of profits,
or one in which individual persons are regarded as disposable items in a
culture of waste, could be tantamount, in certain circumstances, to an offence
against human dignity. It follows, therefore, that the United Nations and its
member states have an urgent and grave responsibility for the poor and
excluded, mindful always that social and economic justice is a essential
condition for peace", he concluded.

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 Audiences
 Vatican City, 30 September 2014 (VIS) - Today, the Holy Father received in
audience Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, archbishop of Aparecida, Brazil,
president of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference, accompanied by Archbishop Jose
Belisario da Silva, of Sao Luis do Maranhao, deputy president, and Bishop
Leonardo Ulrich Steiner, auxiliary of Brasilia, secretary general.
 On Monday, 29 September, the Holy Father received in audience:
 - Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops;
 - Msgr. Carlos Nannei of the prelature of Opus Dei, Argentina.

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 Other Pontifical Acts
 Vatican City, 30 September 2014 (VIS) - The Holy Father has appointed Bishop
John Stanley Kenneth Arnold, auxiliary of Westminster, England, as bishop of
Salford (area 1,800, population 2,603,000, Catholics 267,938, priests 284,
religious 280), England. He accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of
the same diocese presented by Bishop Terence John Brain, upon reaching the age
limit.
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