Vatican City, Nov 13, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Saturday, businessman, Francis Rooney presented his official Letters of Credence to Pope Benedict as the U.S.‘s new ambassador to the Holy See. The Pope met the presentation with strong words on the role which politics and international laws should play in the world--particularly toward the poor and disenfranchised.
During a meeting between the two, the Holy Father asked Mr. Rooney to assure President George Bush "in a particular way of my prayerful solidarity with all those affected by the recent storms in the southern part of your country, as well as the support of my prayers for those engaged in the massive work of relief and rebuilding."
The Pope began his speech by mentioning the message of his predecessor John Paul II for the 2005 World Day of Peace, in which he "called attention to the intrinsic ethical dimension of every political decision…”
John Paul, he said, likewise “observed that the disturbing spread of social disorder, war, injustice and violence in our world can ultimately be countered only by renewed appreciation and respect for the universal moral law whose principles derive from the Creator Himself.”