HOLY FATHER WELCOMES GABON'S NEW AMBASSADOR

VATICAN CITY, JUN 4, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II today received the Letters of Credence of the Gabonese Republic's new ambassador to the Holy See, Bonaventure Ndong-Edomie, and thanked him for his country's contribution "in promoting relations of harmony and solidarity among nations and among human communities in Central Africa."

"In your speech," the Pope told the diplomat, speaking French, "you underlined the importance which the Apostolic See gives to the search for peace among peoples. It is indeed especially urgent, as we approach the third millennium, to create living conditions in society which no longer allow violence to be the way chosen to resolve conflicts.

"The terrible sufferings which today are still the daily fate of so many peoples, victims of fratricidal conflicts, especially on the African continent, should stimulate leaders of nations and all people of good will to resolutely commit themselves to the search for solutions which respect human life and the right of peoples, offering the possibility of progressing towards true reconciliation."

"For a lasting social equilibrium to be established," the Holy Father continued, "it is necessary that, within each country, a State of law be reinforced, based on respect for every human person." He said that governance must "effectively be at the service of everyone," and he exhorted leaders "not to become discouraged and to seek in all circumstances, with a firm determination, the common good." Quoting the Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in Africa," the Pope said: "To reconcile profound differences. overcome long-standing animosities and become integrated into international life demands a high degree of competence in the art of governing."
For this to occur, John Paul II affirmed, there must be "a solid civic and moral preparation of consciences, one which educates in the sense of responsibility and the recognition of each (person) in his or her difference."

The Pope then expressed his delight at "the recently concluded agreement between your country and the Holy See with the aim of facilitating the religious mission of the Catholic Church and her service to all Gabonese without distinction, in respect for the independence and autonomy of the Church and State."

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