VATICAN CITY (CNS): Even in the midst of war, basic human rights must be respected and all parties involved must work to end hostilities, Pope Benedict XVI says in his message for World Peace Day 2006.
International humanitarian law is “binding on all peoples” even in times of war, he says in his message for the January 1 day of prayer.
“In Truth, Peace”, the Pope begins his message, which is distributed to heads of state around the world, by offering his best wishes to all people of good will, “especially those who are suffering as a result of violence and armed conflict”.
The message focuses on truth as the foundation for peace – the truth that all people are created in the image and likeness of God with equal dignity, that God has a plan for humanity, and that good and evil exist and can be recognised by all people.
President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Renato Martino, presented the Pope’s message at a December 13 Vatican press conference.
He said the Catholic Church absolutely condemns the use of torture in all circumstances, including interrogations aimed at preventing further violence.
