Pope: Trafficking in natural resources fuels 'instability', 'terrorism'

We cannot be silent about forms of illegal trafficking which arise in situations of poverty, said Pope while addressing gathering at UNEP, Gigiri in Nairobi. (Photo: AFP)

Pope Francis on Thursday urged global action against illegal trafficking of blood diamonds, ivory and other natural resources, saying it caused political instability and "terrorism".

"Illegal trade in diamonds and precious stones, rare metals or those of great strategic value, wood, biological material and animal products, such as ivory trafficking and the related killing of elephants, fuels political instability, organised crime and terrorism," he said in a speech in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.