POPE OUTLINES PROPER RESPONSE TO TERRORISM

VATICAN, Sep 9, 02 (CWNews.com) -- During a meeting with a new ambassador from Great Britain to the Holy See, Pope John Paul II said that the threat of world terrorism "calls for a resolute and uncompromising commitment-- on the part of individuals, societies, and nations-- to defend the inalienable rights and dignity of every member of the human family."

The Pope observed that while combating terrorist violence, world leaders must not ignore the fundamental sources of terrorism. He urged attention to "the reasons that cause young people, particularly, to despair about humanity, about life and about the future, and to fall into the temptation to violence, hatred, and the desire for vengeance at any cost."

The Pope acknowledged the need to cut off the funding and support for international terrorist groups. But he argued that a long-term response to the problem will call for "creativity" on the part of world leaders.

"The facts of history should that the recruitment of terrorists is easiest in those regions where human rights are violated and injustice is a daily reality," the Pope said. While injustice is never an excuse for terrorism, he continued, prudent world leadership should recognize the importance of addressing "scandalous situations and grave injustices" that provide fertile ground for terrorists.

The Holy Father told the new ambassador, Kathryn Frances Colvin, that the best means of defeating terrorism is by building "a global culture of solidarity," which will promote not merely economic growth and political stability, but also "a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation in the service of the common good."

The creation of such a culture, the Pope continued, is "perhaps the greatest moral task confronting mankind today." He observed that Christianity offers the basis for exactly such a "culture of solidarity." Unfortunately, he continued, the Western societies which have traditionally been governed by Christian principles are now undermined themselves by "indifferentism, hedonism, consumerism, and practical materialism."

While praising Great Britain for its charitable works, the Pope pointed out that English society needs "uncompromising defense of the rights of the family and the legal protection of marriage." He also said that Britain and other developed nations should be dedicated to "respect for life, in the face of attempts to legitimize abortion, the production of human embryos for research, and the processes of genetic manipulation such as the cloning if human beings."

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