The Vatican Press Office released a statement this morning congratulating Barack Obama on winning the Nobel Peace Prize (translation courtesy of the National Catholic Reporter):
The awarding of the Nobel Prize for Peace to President Obama is greeted with appreciation in the Vatican, in light of the commitment demonstrated by the President for the promotion of peace in the international arena, and in particular also recently in favor of nuclear disarmament. It’s hoped that this very important recognition will further encourage that commitment, which is difficult but fundamental for the future of humanity, so that the desired results will be obtained.
Pope Benedict also expressed his approval of Obama’s involvement on the disarmament issue last Friday when he welcomed Miguel Diaz, the new U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. “I wish to express my satisfaction for the recent Meeting of the United Nations Security Council chaired by President Obama, which unanimously approved the resolution on atomic disarmament and set before the international community the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons,” the Pope said.