JOHN PAUL II HIGHLIGHTS APOSTOLIC VITALITY IN CENTRAL AFRICA

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope today manifested his joy to prelates of the Central African Episcopal Conference for the "apostolic vitality" of their communities and the "openness of the men and women of the region to the call of the Lord."

Addressing Central African bishops, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit, the Holy Father indicated that "the Church has the duty to recall, in both good times and bad, the fundamental values associated with the dignity of all human beings, with the truth and with responsibility for their personal acts."

John Paul II praised the generosity of their communities. A generosity "frequently expressed through means that are poor and limited, yet rich in human and spiritual significance. I warmly encourage those who, with great commitment, place themselves at the service of their brothers and sisters; the needy, the poor, the sick, those who are alone or elderly, or refugees from neighboring countries."

Going on to speak about Catholic schools, he underlined that they "occupy a special place in the service of Central African society, preparing youth to fulfill their life commitments, their civic role and their moral duty." He said that this course must be encouraged "with the appropriate caution, so that the Church may effectually contribute to all young people having access to education, and find the means to give special attention to the poorest among them."

After emphasizing that to Catholics falls "the responsibility of promoting and animating vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life," the Pope added that "the formation of the laity is of fundamental importance for the future of the Church."

"In a world that needs to find points of reference and reasons for hope, the teaching of the Church's social doctrine will prepare Christians for political, economic and social tasks, so that they become active witnesses of Christ in their lives and effectively participate in constructing the nation."

Speaking of the African family, John Paul II stressed that "it is essential to encourage Catholics to work with all their strength to preserve and promote the fundamental values of the family. The faithful must have great respect for the dignity of Christian marriage," and for the fact that married love "is unique and indissoluble."

The Holy Father emphasized the importance of fraternal relations with "baptized brothers and sisters of other religions." In particular, "attention must be given to the relationship with Muslims. An authentic knowledge of the spiritual and moral values of Islam, based on a desire for mutual respect, will aid greater comprehension and sincere acceptance of religious freedom. In this sense," he concluded, "I encourage you, as some of you already do, to train experts in religious science and inter-religious matters."

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