A leading Vatican diplomat called for “renewed determination” in the face of “expanding drug markets and the links between drug trafficking, corruption, and criminal activity around the world.”
Addressing a UN committee meeting on international drug trafficking, Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, said on October 7 that “society and law enforcement should focus on identifying such criminal networks and prosecuting major criminals, while also working to prevent drug use.”
“It is important to implement comprehensive programs that can reach those persons grappling with various forms of addiction,” he added. “This is while particularly crucial for young people and those serving criminal sentences.”