Peace endangered by lack for respect for dignity of the person, says Dominican cardinal

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Aug 6, 2006 / 22:00 pm

The Archbishop of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, has warned that peace is endangered when the dignity of the human person is not respected and the common good is not prioritized.

“At times like these, a serious reflection on the issue of violence and peace, as well as concrete, effective, and convincing efforts in favor of the good of peace, must take place,” the cardinal told participants in a convention on violence, organized by the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and the National Council of Reform.

Cardinal Rodriguez called for “alternative solutions to war” in order to resolve international conflicts.  The cardinal said that the destructive power of modern-day weaponry makes it “practically impossible” to predict the consequences of a confrontation.
 
He noted that Christianity promotes true peace founded upon the love God has for each human being, which is only possible through forgiveness and reconciliation.

“The Church exhorts people, states, and nations to share her concern for the reestablishing and strengthening of peace, emphasizing in particular the important role of international law,” he added.
 
“The Church works for peace also through prayer,” the cardinal underscored, “which opens the heart not only to a profound relationship with God, but also to an encounter with others, inspired by sentiments of respect, trust, understanding, esteem, and love.”