Rome, Italy, Jul 2, 2010 / 08:04 am
Recognizing the democratic election of the new president in Iraq, the Holy Father hoped on Friday that the change would bring increased stability, security and unity in the country. He encouraged all Iraqis, Christians and Muslims alike, to unite in their "shared suffering" to build "a just, moral and peaceable environment."
Pope Benedict spoke about the importance of the shared contribution while accepting the credentials of Iraq's new ambassador Mr. Habbeb Mohammed Hadi Ali Al-Sadr on Friday morning in the Vatican.
In his words to the delegate, Benedict XVI applauded the country's achievement of democratically electing new president Jalal Talabani, pointing to the "clear sign" Iraqis gave the world "that they wish to see an end to violence and that they have chosen the path of democracy."
He noted the "great courage and determination" of the people in turning out to vote and asked for the same qualities from elected officials so that a "more stable and unified Iraq" may quickly be established.