Terrorism Demands Multifaceted Response, Says Vatican

SOFIA, Bulgaria, DEC. 7, 2004 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See regards terrorism as the first concern on the international scene, and says its defeat calls for an understanding of the causes.

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Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican secretary for relations with states, expressed that idea Monday when addressing the 12th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in Sofia.

Among the problems facing OSCE is «first of all, the question of terrorism and security,» he said. «The position of the Holy See is well known: Terrorism will only be effectively confronted through a concerted multilateral action that respects the ‘jus gentium.’

«The causes of the phenomenon of terrorism, as we all know, are varied and complex: political, social and cultural factors, including those connected to religious pretexts.»

«For this reason,» the archbishop continued, «a long-term action is ever more necessary and urgent, one that uses foresight and patience in dealing with the roots of terrorism, preventing its spread and extinguishing its destructive and contagious force.

«The Holy See indeed offers its own specific contribution, in accordance with its nature and mission, through Catholic educational and social institutions, as well as through interreligious dialogue and the defense and promotion of the dignity of the human person.»

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ZENIT Staff

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