Vatican Meeting of Pope Francis and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

UN Secretary General visited Italy this week. His visit included an audience with Pope Francis. It was in conformity to the tradition of the Pope granting an audience with the secretary generals of the United Nations. The meeting of Pope Francis and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, which took place on Tuesday, had the two leaders discussing what action to take to advance economic development and fast-track the reduction of poverty in depressed countries. The UN Secretary General said that they also discussed ways in meeting the Millennium Development Goals by its year 2015 target. Other issues that they were able to discuss included the humanitarian services needed by many of the world’s population, the increase in global and internal conflicts, like what is currently happening in Syria, and the continued trafficking of people and the treatment of migrants and refugees.

First impressions

The meeting was the first for the two leaders, and many wanted to know what their impressions were. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that the meeting was hopeful and uplifting and that he found Pope Francis to be a man with a purpose and a man of peace. He added that Pope Francis gives a voice for those who are presently voiceless.

The two shared the same commitments – to improve the quality of life of the poor people around the globe. He was also heartened by the Pope’s commitment to create interfaith dialogues and outreach to Jewish and Muslim communities, all in the hope of establishing deeper understanding among people of different faiths with the view of promoting inclusion, peace and tolerance. He had invited the Pope to visit the UN at “his earliest convenience.”

Millennium Development Goals

There are only 1,000 days left before the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals and the UN Secretary General has just launched a new campaign, the “MDG Momentum – 1,000 Days of Action.” During the launce, he called on the various international organizations, civil society, and governments in closely working with the United Nations and its partner organizations to reach the MDGs before the deadline.

The MDGs address the issues involving the following eight points:

1. Poverty and hunger
2. Education
3. Equality in gender
4. Child mortality
5. Maternal health
6. Environmental sustainability
7. Global development partnerships
8. Combating malaria, AIDS and other diseases

Secretary Ban Ki-moon concluded his visit to Italy with meetings with President Giorgio Napolitano, Prime Minister Mario Monti, Senate President Pietro Grasso, Deputy Foreign Minister Staffan de Mistura and Chamber of Deputies President Laura Boldrini.