Allow me to take a few moments to formally welcome everyone to this seminar on “Justice: The root of human rights.” It’s good to see such a great turnout of diplomats, UN officials, many faculty and students from schools and Universities, associations and NGOs.

I greet and thank His Eminence Cardinal Egan as well as our panelists: the Honorable Ambassadors Mary Ann Glendon, Terje Rød-Larsen, Hilario Davide and our moderator, Amb. John Menzies for participating in this commemoration.

The fourth visit of a pope to the United Nations, that made by Benedict XVI on 18 April 2008, came at a difficult time for this Institution. Cultural fragmentation, difficulty and at times the refusal for mutual understanding, political drifts in every part of the world and challenges to human security, find a sounding board at the UN.

Pope Benedict XVI, as “bridge builder”, raised morale and gave vigor to those who in the halls of the United Nations work to affirm justice, peace and freedom. He did it with his presence, encounters, interfacing, handshakes, words and gestures marked with great serenity, gentleness and sincerity.

His message was outstanding and well received: the long and warm final standing ovation given by the Assembly could not have arisen from anywhere but from the profound dwelling of each one’s conscience, above and beyond political persuasions.

This afternoon, we are privileged to start our panel under the auspices of the Secretary-General who sent a message, and I am honored that His Eminence Cardinal Egan, a privileged promoter, organizer and witness of the Papal visit, graces us with his presence today to offer his greetings.

First, I would like to call on Mr. Larsen, Special Envoy of the Secretary General, to deliver the Secretary General’s message.  ……

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Thanks, Ambassador Larsen, and please convey to the Secretary-General our deep gratitude for his heartfelt message.

And now, I would like to invite His Eminence Cardinal Egan to share with us his sentiments, a year after the memorable visit Pope Benedict XVI rendered to New York.