Benedict XVI Calls for Condemnation of Violence

Again Urges a Ceasefire in Gaza
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Violence -- whatever its source and form -- must be condemned, Benedict XVI is affirming.The Pope said this today in the context of mentioning the war in the Gaza Strip, during a traditional annual address to the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.

The Holy See has diplomatic relations with 177 nations. In his French-language address, the Pontiff once again took the opportunity to condemn the violence in the Middle East, something he has already done on repeated occasions in recent days."The birth of Christ in the lowly stable of Bethlehem leads us naturally to think of the situation in the Middle East and, in the first place, in the Holy Land, where, in these days, we have witnessed a renewed outbreak of violence provoking immense damage and suffering for the civilian population," he said.

Benedict XVI lamented that the situation "further complicates" the quest for a settlement of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, "something fervently desired by many of them and by the whole world."He affirmed: "Once again I would repeat that military options are no solution and that violence, wherever it comes from and whatever form it takes, must be firmly condemned.

I express my hope that, with the decisive commitment of the international community, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will be re-established -- an indispensable condition for restoring acceptable living conditions to the population -- and that negotiations for peace will resume, with the rejection of hatred, acts of provocation and the use of arms."The Pope called for elected leaders that will "guide their people toward the difficult yet indispensable reconciliation."