Pope Francis makes a statement against "fundamentalist-inspired terrorism" which "misuses God's name in order to disseminate death" in his speech before the diplomatic corps at the Vatican on Monday.
Before the representatives of 180 countries, the Pope cited the various attacks of Islamist militants that took place last year across Europe, Asia, Africa and the United Sttes.
In his speech, he said, "Sadly, we are conscious that even today, religious experience, rather than fostering openness to others, can be used at times as a pretext for rejection, marginalization and violence."
"We are dealing with a homicidal madness which misuses God's name in order to disseminate death, in a play for domination and power. Hence I appeal to all religious authorities to join in reaffirming unequivocally that one can never kill in God's name."
He also remarked that religiously inspired violence "is the fruit of a profound spiritual poverty and often is linked to significant social poverty. It can only be fully defeated with the joint contribution of religious and political leaders."
He called on government leaders from across the globe to invest in educaiton and culture and create "Suitable social policies aimed at combating poverty."
The Pope also raised awareness regarding nuclear weapons and stressed the importance of calling for a total ban, as well as end the arms trade and focus on tackling climate change.
Last year, the Pope had remarked that religious violence is a "contradiction." In his interview with Spanish magazine 'La Vanguardia', the Pope remarked, "Violence in the name of God does not correspond with our time."
He also added, "A fundamentalist group, although it may not kill anyone, although it may not strike anyone, is violent. The mental structure of fundamentalists is violence in the name of God."
