Source StraitsTimes-AFP
CASTEL GANDOLFO - POPE Benedict XVI urged world leaders on Sunday to act 'with courage' to sweep away global poverty when they gather in New York this week for the UN General Assembly.
More than 120 heads of state and government will attend the debate that begins on Tuesday against the backdrop of global economic woes that threaten to further set back the fight against poverty.
'I would like to call on the leaders who are gathering in New York ... to take and implement with courage the necessary measures to eradicate poverty, hunger, ignorance and the spread of pandemics,' the pope said.
'Such a commitment requires, in these times of global economic difficulties, special sacrifices,' added the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in his angelus prayers at his Castel Gandolfo residence near Rome.
One major theme for this year's General Assembly debate will be the flagging effort to meet the poverty-slashing Millennium Development Goals by a 2015 deadline against a backdrop of soaring food and energy prices.
The Vatican has observer status in the United Nations, with its representative eligible to contribute to debates. -- AFP
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