Vatican Pope Visited UN FDC

Vatican FDC
Name: Pope Benedict XVI Visited UN for 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Date of Issue: 15 May 2008

On 18 April 2008. Pope Benedict XVI began his day at the United Nations, where he addressed a packed General Assembly hall. Speaking about the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and human rights, Pope Benedict XVI said every state has a duty to protect its people from grave and repeated human rights violations and from the consequences of humanitarian crises -- whether natural or man-made.

Pope Benedict XVI went on to note that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He said respect for human rights is the most effective way to eliminate inequalities among countries and social groups, and for increasing security. He said respect for human rights must also include the right to religious freedom.

In the late afternoon, Pope Benedict XVI made an historic visit to a synagogue in the city. It was the first time a Catholic pope has visited a Jewish house of worship in the United States. It was also significant, as Pope Benedict XVI is German and the synagogue's head rabbi, Arthur Schneier, is a Holocaust survivor.

Comment: Many Chinese Newspapers had reported that Pope Benedict XVI is promoting to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and break off diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan). If these reports are true, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will lose their last diplomatic relations in Europe.