Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Benedict XVI restates appeal for end to Holy Land conflict

Vatican City, Jun 25, 2009 / 10:46 am (CNA).- At a Thursday meeting of organizations dedicated to providing aid to the Eastern Churches, Pope Benedict XVI reiterated his call for an end to war, violence and injustice in the Holy Land and pledged the Church's continued support.

The audience with the Holy Father involved participants in the annual general meeting of the Reunion of Organizations for Aid to the Oriental Churches (ROACO). The meeting had focused on the situation in the Holy Land and on the Catholic Church in Bulgaria.

Pope Benedict began his speech to the group by reflecting on charity, which he called “the fertile source of all forms of service to the Church.” Charity is the measure, method and means by which one can verify these services, he said.

The members of ROACO, the Pope said, are able to “continue, even to augment, that 'movement of charity which, by papal mandate, the Congregation supervises so that, in a disciplined and equitable way, the Holy Land and other eastern regions may receive the spiritual and material support necessary for ordinary ecclesial life and for special needs."

Recalling his pilgrimage to the Holy Land this past May, Benedict XVI stated, "I renew my prayer and my appeal for no more war, no more violence, no more injustice.”
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See also:

From Zenit, "Pope: Charity Is the Best Strategy"

VIS press release, "Continue Supporting Christians in the Holy Land"

And from YouTube-Vatican's Channel:

Benedict XVI repeats call for peace in the Middle East
June 25, 2009

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 3:54 PM