SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
UNITED NATIONS – UN leader Ban Ki-Moon on Thursday, March 14 (Philippine time), called on the new pope, Francis, to build on efforts to improve relations between the world’s different religions.
In a statement welcoming the election of the new pontiff, Ban said he was certain that Francis would “build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of inter-faith dialogue.”
The UN secretary general offered his “heartfelt congratulations” to the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina.
“I look forward to continuing cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See, under the wise leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis,” he said.
First pope from the Americas
In Washington, US President Barack Obama offered “warm wishes” on behalf of the American people to newly elected Pope Francis, hailing the Argentine as “the first pope from the Americas.”
“As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than two thousand years, that in each other we see the face of God,” Obama said.
At the UN, Ban said the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church shared the “common goals” of promoting peace, social justice and human rights, and the eradication of poverty and hunger.
“We also share the conviction that we can only resolve the interconnected challenges of today’s world through dialogue.
“I am certain that his holiness will continue to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in the promotion of inter-faith dialogue which is at the heart of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative.”
The Alliance of Civilizations is a UN-led effort that aims to ease tensions between the western and Islamic worlds. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.