Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale1016

ALLOCUTIONES

I

Ad LXXXI generalem Coetum Publicae Securitatis Custodum Internationalium

« Interpol ».*

Distinguished Authorities,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to welcome you as you conclude the General Assembly of

Interpol, which has brought together here in Rome representatives of police

and security agencies, along with political and institutional delegates of its

190 member states, that have included Vatican City State since 2008. I greet

all those present, and through you I wish to offer my cordial greetings to the

distinguished leaders of your countries and their citizens, for whose security

you labour with professionalism and a spirit of service. In particular, I greet

the Ministers and the members of Government, and the Italian Minister of

Internal Affairs who has just spoken, as well as the President of Interpol and

the Secretary General, whom I thank for his address to us just now.

In these days of study and discussion you have focused your attention on

the development of international cooperation in the struggle against crime. It

is important to strengthen collaboration and the exchange of expertise at a

time when, at a global level, we see a widening of the sources of violence

provoked by trans-national entities which hinder the progress of humanity.

Among these we include the evolution of criminal violence which is a parti-

cularly troubling aspect for the future of the world. No less important is the

fact that the task of reflection brings together politicians responsible for

security and justice, as well as judicial bodies and the forces of law and order,

in such a way that each one, in his respective sphere, can offer an effective

contribution to the service of constructive exchange. Indeed, political autho-

rities, with the help of institutions of law and order, can more easily identify

the most significant emerging risks to society and, as a consequence, will be

able to give adequate legislative and operational direction to combating

crime.

* Die 9 Novembris 2012.