Mercy Global Concern - 2003
Vatican's Letter on the Role of the UN
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 20, 2003 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of
the letter that Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State,
sent to the U.N. Secretary-General, to express the Vatican's support
for the United Nations' role in the world.
His Excellency Mr. KOFI ANNAN
Secretary General of the United Nations Organization
New York
Dear Mr Secretary General,
The recent Security Council Resolution 1483 (2003) regarding
the rebuilding of the institutions and the economy of Iraq can
be considered the beginning of a reconfirmation of the validity
of the mission of the United Nations Organization as stipulated
by the Charter of 1945.
Pope John Paul II, recognizing the importance of the United Nations,
has directed me to express to Your Excellency the Holy See's support
for the fundamental role of the United Nations Organization at
the present time. As you know, the Popes have spoken on various
occasions of the need for an international and independent Authority
capable of serving not only as a mediator in potential conflicts
but also as a guide for all humanity, leading the human family
in peace towards the rule of law. A particular sign of this interest
is the presence of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy
See at the United Nations.
Forty years ago, Pope John XXIII, in his Encyclical Letter Pacem
in Terris (11 April 1963), clearly stated that the moral order
itself calls for the establishment of a universal public Authority
(No. 137). Pope John Paul II himself, in his Address to the General
Assembly on October 5, 1995, expressed the hope that "the
United Nations Organization"...become a moral center where
all the nations of the world
feel at home and develop a shared awareness of being, as it were,
a "family of nations".
The recent Iraqi crisis has drawn attention to the need for a
greater commitment to the principles set forth in the United Nations
Charter in order to avoid unilateral actions which could lead
to the weakening of international law and existing agreements.
The Holy See is confident that the United Nations Organization
will be able to develop more efficient and concerted forms of
cooperation which will enable world leaders to join in combating
situations of injustice and oppression, leading to hostility between
peoples, rather than building that "family of nations"
of which Pope John Paul II spoke in 1995.
In seconding the sentiments of His Holiness, I wish to convey
the recognition of the Holy See for your own commitment and that
of all those who daily work for peace in the world, especially
those associated with the efforts of the United Nations to foster
international peace, dialogue and cooperation.
Renewing the Holy See's esteem for this important international
body, please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest
consideration.
From the Vatican, June 5, 2003
Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of State
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