Work to build unity in the human
family, promote peace, persevering in the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons in Asia and the world.
This is what emerges from the speech
given this morning by Benedict XVI to Yamaguchi Hidekazu, Japan's ambassador to the Holy See on the occasion of the presentation of credentials.
"Since its entry in the organization of the United Nations - said the
Pope - Japan has always been a major player on the regional and
international scene and has contributed significantly to the expansion
of peace, democracy and human rights in the Far East and in the rest of
the world, particularly in developing countries. "
Remembering
sixty-fifth anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, the Pope said that "nuclear weapons remain a major concern.
The possession and the risk of their possible use has increased tensions
and mistrust in many parts of the world. "
He highlighted the efforts
made by Japan in nuclear disarmament and in formulating solutions to the
ongoing political tensions in the region.
"We share this concern with
Japan for a world without nuclear weapons - he continued - the Holy See
encourages all nations to patiently build the peace with economic and
political means that have to stand as a bulwark against every attempt to
resort to weapons and promote the integral human development of all
peoples. "
In a continent where Christians suffer violations of religious
freedom and violence, Benedict XVI emphasized the freedom of religion
and conscience in Japan, which has "enabled the Catholic Church not only
to live in peace and brotherhood with everyone, but also play an active
and vibrant role in the country, through universities, schools,
hospitals and charities that serve the entire community. "
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