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Oblates welcome First Nations Representatives in Rome May 21st, 2009

On April 29, Pope Benedict XVI held a special audience with Canada’s Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and a delegation of First Nations Elders and former alumni of residential schools. The Canadian Catholic Church was also represented by Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, President of the Episcopal Conference, and a delegation of missionary congregations involved in the residential schools. Fr. Timothy COONEN, the bursar of OMI Lacombe Province, represented the communities of men religious.

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Fighting Poverty to Build Peace: Papal Message for the World Day of Peace January 6th, 2009

The Pope’s annual World Day of Peace Message focused this year on the connection between extreme poverty and conflict. The Pope remarked that “The gap between rich and poor has become more marked, even in the most economically developed nations. This is a problem which the conscience of humanity cannot ignore, since the conditions in which a great number of people are living are an insult to their innate dignity and as a result are a threat to the authentic and harmonious progress of the world community”

Read the Pope’s World Day of Peace Message:

In English

In Spanish

In French

Pope Benedict Asserts Human Right to Water July 16th, 2008

Pope Benedict affirmed that there is a “right to water,” based on the dignity of the human person, and it is not simply an “economic good”.

In a message to the international exposition on “Water and Sustainable Development,” in Zaragoza, Spain, the Pope made clear that “Because of the [...] pressure of multiple social and economic factors, we must be conscious of the fact” that today “water must be considered ” a good that must be especially protected through clear national and international policies, and used according to sensible criteria of solidarity and responsibility.”

He cautioned against treating water simply as a commodity for sale.

Pope Benedict’s Visit to the UN April 28th, 2008

A DPI/NGO Briefing was held on the occasion of Pope Benedict’s April 18 visit to the United Nations. The briefing focused on the significance of His Holiness’ visit and its impact on present global issues.

This event was the first in the Focus on Faith series, during which the panelists shared insights into the topic and underlined the links between the principles of the United Nations and – in this case – the Catholic Church.

The speakers included: H.E. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations; Sister Dorothy Farley, Executive Director, International Catholic Organizations/ Information Center at the United Nations; and Mr. Peter Steinfels, Co-Director, Fordham University Center on Religion and Culture.

NGO-DPI Briefing Summary

Archived webcast of the event