MEXICO CITY – A Catholic bishop in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero has called for compassion toward the impoverished populations harvesting opium poppies out of necessity, saying such people are not sinners and are neglected by the government.
Around the globe, a worldwide addiction to illicit drugs is fueling violence, human trafficking, a proliferation of guns, organized crime and terrorism, the Vatican has said.
Video game warns youth about drugs
Can playing video games help youth kick a drug habit? Hamilton’s Good Shepherd centre is hoping to find out.
Say ‘no’ to drugs, ‘yes’ to life, says Pope
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said legalizing marijuana and other so-called “recreational drugs” has never curbed drug addiction rates and has little impact on the criminal organizations trafficking drugs around the world.
St. Jude’s anti-drug murals to be showcased on TTC
On April 20 as thousands across North America protested anti-drug laws by smoking pot, Grade 8 students at St. Jude Catholic School picked up paintbrushes to promote a different drug message — say no.
“It’s sheer coincidence but, to a certain extent, what better day to work on a project like this than a day a large part of society is raising that level of acceptance,” said Nick Biagini, St. Jude’s principal. “It helps them to become aware of the dangers of drugs, even drugs that they feel are light. They can become gateways for other more addictive drugs.”
The moral debate around safe injection drug sites
TORONTO - There are 9,000 injection drug users in Toronto and another 3,000 in Ottawa. They face arrest all the time. Many addicts live in neighbourhoods with a concentration of counselling and detox facilities. The federal government has launched anti-drug subway posters to combat the problem.
Chances are there will still be 12,000 injection drug users in Ontario’s two biggest cities next year and the year after that.
VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has signed three international treaties supporting the fight against the illegal drug trade, financing terrorism and organized crime.
By signing onto these international legal instruments Jan. 25, the Vatican "confirms its intention as well as its effective and practical commitment to collaborate with the international community in a manner consistent with its nature and mission, with a view to guaranteeing international peace and justice," wrote Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican secretary for relations with states.