Pope called to protect children

The Pope Benedict XVI called on the world community "to accept obligations in defense of children, victims of violence and weapons" and emphasized his spiritual intimacy "to all the children of the Earth, subject to fear, loneliness, hunger, harassment and deadly diseases."

With these words, the pontiff turned during the traditional collective audience on St. Peter Square to the delegation, headed by the Deputy General Secretary General of the UN and the special representative of the problems of children in the zones of armed conflicts who took part in the international seminar in Rome, ITAR-TASS reports.

The Roman high priest also recalled the anniversary of the International Red Cross (MKK) celebrated in the world and demanded the immediate liberation of the Italian volunteer of the ICC Eugenio Vigny, held as a hostage by the Philippine separatists. Pope Benedict wished that "human dignity and human destinies" would always be in the center of humanitarian activities.

During the audience, the message of the American agency Catholic News Service (CNS) was widespread that on July 10, after the Great Eight summit, Benedict XVI will meet with US President Barack Obama. The Printing Service of the Holy Thron did not confirm, but did not refute this message either.