VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis urged additional support in abolishing the death penalty worldwide and eradicating the external debt of developing countries.

Working to build dialogue, peace and justice in “our complex and violent world” is a huge and difficult task that requires seeking the common good, he said in a written message to participants at a conference in Rome.

The pope’s message was addressed to Pax Christi International and other Catholic organizations were hosting a conference to discuss the Catholic understanding of nonviolence and just peace.