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POPE-REDCROSS Jun-24-2009 (210 words) xxxi
Marking Red Cross anniversary, pope appeals for release of volunteers
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Marking the 150th anniversary of what became the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Pope Benedict XVI appealed for the release of all people held by kidnappers in conflict zones and especially for the release of an Italian Red Cross worker in the Philippines.
The volunteer, Eugenio Vagni, was captured by armed men Jan. 15 on the southern island of Sulu, the site of ongoing clashes between the military and Muslim separatists.
Pope Benedict made his appeal at the end of his weekly general audience June 24. The Red Cross was founded on that date in 1859 by a Swiss citizen moved by the lack of medical care for soldiers wounded in the Battle of Solferino, a city in northern Italy.
"Over the years the values of universality, neutrality (and) independent service have attracted millions of volunteers around the world, forming an important bulwark of humanity and solidarity in many contexts of war and conflict as well as in many emergencies," the pope said.
"In hoping that the dignity and integrity of the human person always will be at the center of the Red Cross' humanitarian commitment, I especially encourage young people to commit themselves concretely to this deserving organization," he said.
END
Copyright (c) 2009 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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