Pope Benedict XVI has returned to the Vatican after a six-day trip in the United States. At the United Nations on Friday, Pope Benedict gave a forty-minute address on peace and human rights but never directly mentioned the Iraq war. In what was viewed as a veiled criticism of the Bush administration, the Pope said nations should obey international law and take collective action to deal with the world’s problems. The Pope also said protecting human rights is vital to bridging inequalities between countries.

Pope Benedict XVI: “It is inconceivable that believers should have to suppress a part of themselves, their faith, in order to be active citizens. It should never be necessary to deny God in order to enjoy one’s rights.”