Benedict XVI: Peace needs open minds and hearts. The Peace Treaty between Argentina and Chile, strongly desired by John Paul II and reached through the mediation of the Holy See, was a historic event.…More
Benedict XVI: Peace needs open minds and hearts.
The Peace Treaty between Argentina and Chile, strongly desired by John Paul II and reached through the mediation of the Holy See, was a historic event. On Saturday, Benedict XVI commemorated the signing of the treaty exactly 25 years ago as he received the presidents of Argentina and Chile on visit to the Vatican.
Peace, said the Pope, needs open hearts and minds, especially among politicians, and requires the defense of life and human dignity, protection of the family, efforts against poverty and corruption, economic growth, solidarity and democracy. Benedict XVI also recalled the words of Pius XII, noting that nothing is lost in peace, all can be lost with war.
After their audience with the Pope, the President of Argentina, Ms. Cristina de Kirchner, and the President of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, visited the Vatican Grottoes to pray at the tomb of John Paul II.
Then in the Casina Pio IV in the Vatican Gardens, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, welcomed the delegations, recalling the old relations of closeness and brotherhood between the two Latin American nations. After the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signing of the treaty.
The Peace Treaty between Argentina and Chile, strongly desired by John Paul II and reached through the mediation of the Holy See, was a historic event. On Saturday, Benedict XVI commemorated the signing of the treaty exactly 25 years ago as he received the presidents of Argentina and Chile on visit to the Vatican.
Peace, said the Pope, needs open hearts and minds, especially among politicians, and requires the defense of life and human dignity, protection of the family, efforts against poverty and corruption, economic growth, solidarity and democracy. Benedict XVI also recalled the words of Pius XII, noting that nothing is lost in peace, all can be lost with war.
After their audience with the Pope, the President of Argentina, Ms. Cristina de Kirchner, and the President of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, visited the Vatican Grottoes to pray at the tomb of John Paul II.
Then in the Casina Pio IV in the Vatican Gardens, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, welcomed the delegations, recalling the old relations of closeness and brotherhood between the two Latin American nations. After the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signing of the treaty.