Pope takes aim at arms trade ahead of World Day of Peace

(ANSA) - Vatican City, August 26 - Pope Francis has composed a message ahead of the Catholic Church's 50th World Day of Peace, to be celebrated on January 1, 2017, the Vatican said Friday.
    The message titled 'Non-violence: a style of politics for peace' says arms trafficking is at the root of many ongoing conflicts and must be stopped.
    "The global arms trade is so vast as to be generally underestimated," the Vatican said in a statement. "Illegal arms trafficking supports many conflicts around the world. Non-violence as a style of politics can and must do much to contain this scourge".
    Francis' message says disputes must be solved through diplomacy and negotiation before they degenerate into armed conflict.
    "Non-violence implies respect for the culture and identity of all peoples, thereby overcoming the idea that one side is morally superior to the other," the statement said.
    "This does not mean however, that one nation can remain indifferent to the tragedies of another".
    The World Day of Peace was first launched by Pope Paul VI and is celebrated annually on January 1.
    The pontiff's message is traditionally sent to governments worldwide, outlining the Holy See's diplomatic vision for the new year.