NEW AMBASSADOR OF ECUADOR PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 11, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador of Ecuador to the Holy See, Marcelo Fernandez de Cordoba.

In his address, the Pope made reference to the importance of the education of new generations in order that they may have "access to an integral formation, in which humanist and technical knowledge is accompanied by moral values and exposure to the transcendent and religious dimension of life, respecting scrupulously the right of families to choose the type of education for their children."

John Paul II affirmed that, in light of the economic crisis that Ecuador is facing, the Church "is doing, and will continue to do, everything possible to remain close to the Ecuadorian people, providing every type of help that she possibly can especially to those most in need, who are often also those most forgotten when it comes to distributing available resources."

After noting that a consequence of the economic crisis has been the emigration of many citizens to other countries, he emphasized that this problem is compounded by that of "cultural upheaval, the risk of religious disorientation, ... and the painful break-up of the family nucleus; without forgetting the unfortunate consequences of so much illegal immigration ... For this reason, we must combat the circumstances that seem to force so many citizens to leave their homeland."

The Pope ended by indicating that the "recent initiatives for dialogue between State authorities and different ethnic groups - which are aimed at improving understanding and achieving better participation in the life and resources of the nation - are a sign of hope that must be continued. Following this path, Ecuador can become an example and a promoter of coexistence and peace in the Andean region. Dialogue ... is always the most appropriate way to resolve serious internal and external problems, thus obtaining the desired fruits for the good of all the Ecuadorian people."

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