Ambassadors from 10 countries all presented their credentials to Pope Francis. They are from countries like Iceland, Cabo Verde, Switzerland, The Bahamas, Qatar, Estonia, Grenada, Gambia and Malta.
Pope Francis greeted them all with a special speech.
POPE FRANCIS
“In this year, too, the international community has celebrated the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This foundational document continues to guide the efforts of global diplomacy to secure peace in our world and to promote the integral development of each individual and all peoples. The two goals are in fact inseparable.”
Pope Francis also spoke about human rights goals for the Church, even in moments of war, poverty, discrimination and migration. He said the Church is working with other responsible parties to help create concrete solutions to these main issues affecting millions today.
POPE FRANCIS
“No effective humanitarian solution to that pressing global issue can ignore our moral responsibility, with due regard for the common good, to welcome, protect, promote and integrate those who knock at our doors in search of a secure future for themselves and their children.”
In conclusion, the pope offered his prayerful good wishes and the readiness of the Roman Curia to assist these new ambassadors in their work.