The G20 meetings began today in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Today, the Vatican Press Office has published the text of a letter dated yesterday which His Holiness, Pope Francis sent to the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency, Vladimir Putin, who is hosting the G8 gathering.
Letter
of His Holiness, Pope Francis
to the President of the Russian Federation
In the course of this year, you have the honour and the
responsibility of presiding over the Group of the twenty largest economies in
the world. I am aware that the Russian Federation has participated in this
group from the moment of its inception and has always had a positive role to
play in the promotion of good governance of the world’s finances, which have
been deeply affected by the crisis of 2008.
In today’s highly interdependent context, a global financial
framework with its own just and clear rules is required in order to achieve a
more equitable and fraternal world, in which it is possible to overcome hunger,
ensure decent employment and housing for all, as well as essential healthcare.
Your presidency of the G20 this year has committed itself to consolidating the
reform of the international financial organizations and to achieving a
consensus on financial standards suited to today’s circumstances. However, the
world economy will only develop if it allows a dignified way of life for all
human beings, from the eldest to the unborn child, not just for citizens of the
G20 member states but for every inhabitant of the earth, even those in extreme
social situations or in the remotest places.
From this standpoint, it is clear that, for the world’s
peoples, armed conflicts are always a deliberate negation of international
harmony, and create profound divisions and deep wounds which require many years
to heal. Wars are a concrete refusal to pursue the great economic and social
goals that the international community has set itself, as seen, for example, in
the Millennium Development Goals. Unfortunately, the many armed conflicts which
continue to afflict the world today present us daily with dramatic images of
misery, hunger, illness and death. Without peace, there can be no form of
economic development. Violence never begets peace, the necessary condition for
development.
The meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the
twenty most powerful economies, with two-thirds of the world’s population and
ninety per cent of global GDP, does not have international security as its
principal purpose. Nevertheless, the meeting will surely not forget the
situation in the Middle East and particularly in Syria. It is regrettable that,
from the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have
prevailed and in fact hindered the search for a solution that would have
avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding. The leaders of the G20 cannot
remain indifferent to the dramatic situation of the beloved Syrian people which
has lasted far too long, and even risks bringing greater suffering to a region
bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace. To the leaders present, to each
and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome
the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military
solution. Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and
determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the
parties, unanimously supported by the international community. Moreover, all
governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure
humanitarian assistance to those suffering because of the conflict, both within
and beyond the country’s borders.
Mr President, in the hope that these thoughts may be a
valid spiritual contribution to your meeting, I pray for the successful outcome
of the G20’s work on this occasion. I invoke an abundance of blessings upon the
Summit in Saint Petersburg, upon the participants and the citizens of the
member states, and upon the work and efforts of the 2013 Russian Presidency of
the G20.
While requesting your prayers, I take this opportunity to
assure you, Mr President, of my highest consideration.
From the Vatican, 4 September 2013
Francis
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