Pope Benedict Calls for Global Commitment to Security

By VOA News 07 January 2008

Pope Benedict has given his annual "state of the world" speech, calling for a global commitment to security.

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves St. Peter's square, 31 Dec 2007

In Vatican City Monday the Roman Catholic leader urged the world to prevent terrorists from obtaining weapons of mass destruction. He called for diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear program, which the United States fears will be used to build nuclear weapons. Tehran says its nuclear program is peaceful.

Pope Benedict also appealed for peace in many of the world's troubled regions, mentioning Burma, the Middle East, Kenya, and Sudan's Darfur region.

And he praised the agreement made by Israeli and Palestinians leaders in November to try to reach a peace deal by 2008. He urged the world to support that effort.