Pontiff Urges Leaders to Live Up to U.N. Plan

The Pope mentioned the U.N. summit that begins Wednesday in New York, "which will address important topics concerning world peace, respect for human rights, the promotion of development and the reinforcement of the United Nations."

The U.N. General Assembly will analyze the implementation of the commitments of the Millennium Summit of the year 2000, as well as U.N. reform.

"My fervent hope is that the political leaders gathered there will find suitable solutions to achieve the great objectives fixed beforehand, in a spirit of concord and generous solidarity," the Holy Father said after praying the midday Angelus with crowds gathered today at the papal summer residence.

Benedict XVI wished the leaders "success in implementing effective concrete measures to respond to the most urgent problems posed by extreme poverty, sickness and famine, which afflict so many peoples."

The Holy Father also announced that Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, will attend the meeting as his representative.