(dpa) -
In a personal gesture after his formal address to the UN General Assembly, Pope
Benedict XVI met with the 4,000 members of the UN Staff to thank them for their
work as well as that of blue- helmeted peacekeepers in service around the
world.
Staff greeted the pontiff with loud applause when he stepped back into the
cavernous General Assembly hall, where he had just finished his formal speech
to the representatives of 192 countries, to give them the special treat and
attention.
He in particular voiced remembrance for those who died on peacekeeping
missions. Just in the past year, 42 UN employees and peacekeepers have
lost their lives during duty in conflict or dangerous zones worldwide.
"On the occasion of my visit, I wish to pay tribute to
the invaluable contribution made by the administrative staff and the many
employees of the UN, who carry their duties with such great dedication and
professionalism every day," he said.
In introducing Benedict, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the staff that
they are called to work together "in the service of mankind - for peace,
for development and justice."
"In this, we are for one purpose, even though our religion and our
cultures may be different," Ban said.
"Your Holiness, we share this purpose with you," Ban said. "That
is why I am so proud to introduce you to my colleagues today. As you can see,
they are eager to give you a warm welcome."
Ban echoed the Pope's remarks on the closeness between the
Vatican and the UN.
"Your Holiness, all our staff, wherever they may serve, had an overriding
mission in common with you - the mission to build peace in every sense of the
word," Ban said. "We are blessed to have you with us today to
lift our spirit and our faith. In our job, we certainly need it."