The scourge of human trafficking and the continued tension in the Middle East were the focus of Pope Francis’ concerns in discussions with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Serbian native Vuk Jeremic.
Mr Jeremic later went on to meet with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti respectively Secretary of State and Secretary for Relations with States.
A statement issued following the ‘cordial’ meeting reads: “A number of issues of mutual interest were discussed 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.
The 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”.
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