7 January 2008
Ambassador Rooney on Pope Benedict's Annual Greeting to the Diplomatic Corps, January 7, 2008
THE U.S. EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE
Office of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release
Pope Benedict XVI offered his Annual Greeting for the New Year to members of the Holy See Diplomatic Corps today.
In light of those remarks, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney said “priorities of the Holy See and the United States line up. We both place great importance on stopping the spread of terrorism and violence, aiding Christians who are under threat in many parts of the world today, and seeing an end to poverty and hunger which plague so much of Africa.”
Ambassador Rooney added, “The Holy Father said inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue will open the way for the construction of peace and development. The United States agrees with this approach. In November, President Bush hosted Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas for peace talks. Tomorrow he heads to the region to talk again with those leaders and encourage further dialogue between them. The Holy Father’s message underlines the urgency in keeping that process moving forward.”
“As I conclude my service in Rome, I applaud the clear and courageous efforts of Pope Benedict which promote and protect human dignity of the most vulnerable around the world,” stated Ambassador Rooney.
Contact:
Amy Elizabeth Roth
Public Affairs Coordinator
U.S. Embassy to the Holy See
(39) 06/4674-3433
www.vatican.usembassy.gov
