New York City, N.Y., Sep 22, 2016 / 14:09 pm
While genocide, war crimes, and violence against humanity continue to plague individuals across the globe, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin called for the protection of victims of atrocities and urged both religious leaders and national authorities to step up preventive measures.
"In the face of these grave crimes, there exists a grave responsibility, first for nation States and then for the international community," Cardinal Parolin said in a Sept. 20 address.
"It seems entirely appropriate, therefore, to reflect on the responsibility of religious leaders, especially in an ever more interconnected world, to help counter the spread of hatred and violence in the name of religion and to promote more inclusive and peaceful societies," he continued.
Cardinal Parolin's words came during a keynote address at the "Upholding the Responsibility to Protect: The Role of Religious Leaders in Preventing Atrocities" event, sponsored by offices of the Holy See and United Nations.