An exchange of letters between Benedict XVI and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel, to keep poverty and Africa "high on the international political agenda", during the German presidency of the EU and in the run-up to the next G8 summit: it was announced today by the Vatican Newsroom, even if such letters date back to December 16th and February 2nd, respectively. "The G8 and the European Union should play a guiding role in this respect states Benedict XVI in his letter . People from different religions and cultures from all over the world believe that the achievement of the goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2015 is one of the most important tasks of our time". The Pope showed appreciation for the subject of "poverty" having been placed "on the agenda of the G8 countries, with express reference to Africa". According to Benedict XVI, there is "a grave and unconditional moral duty based on our common belonging to the human family, as well as on the common dignity and fate of the poor countries and the rich countries, that through the globalisation process develop in a more and more interconnected way". (continued)
