Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope calls for immediate end to military action in Georgia

POPE-GEORGIA (UPDATED) Aug-11-2008 (670 words) With photos posted Aug. 8 and 11. xxxi

BRESSANONE, Italy (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for an immediate end to military operations in Georgia and its breakaway province of South Ossetia.

Citing reports of heavy civilian casualties and a large number of refugees, the pope called on the international community to act quickly to bring Russian and Georgian leaders to the bargaining table.

"It is my fervent wish that military actions cease immediately," the pope said Aug. 10.

He urged both sides to "refrain, also in the name of a common Christian heritage, from further confrontations and violent retaliations that could degenerate into a wider conflict."

The pope made the remarks in the northern Italian city of Bressanone, where he was ending a two-week vacation. Vatican sources said he was following the swiftly moving events in the Caucasus region, where a Georgian army operation in South Ossetia Aug. 8 prompted a heavy Russian retaliation that extended far into Georgian territory.

The pope expressed his "deep anguish" at the fighting so far, which he said already had led to dramatic and tragic consequences. He said it was important to resume the process of respectful and constructive dialogue and spare the civilian population "additional painful suffering."

"I also invite the international community and the countries most influential in the current situation to make every effort to sustain and promote initiatives aimed at reaching a peaceful and lasting solution, one which favors open and respectful coexistence," he said.
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 2:52 PM