The Pope explained this Thursday when receiving the letters of credence of Gilbert Ramez Chagoury, the new ambassador of the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia, which has a population of 166,000, mostly Catholics.
As part of the «educational and social apostolate,» the Holy Father emphasized «the battle against the trade and use of drugs,» in his address in English to the diplomat.
«The will to foil this pernicious threat to the fabric of society, which fuels crime and violence and contributes to the physical and emotional destruction of many individuals and families, demands great political resolve, international cooperation, and the support of the whole community,» Benedict XVI stated.
He added: «I encourage your government in the efforts it is making to address this scourge and assure you that they have the full support of the Catholic faithful.»
