VATICAN CITY, MAY 22, 2002 (VIS) - At 6 p.m., local time, in the Presidential Palace in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pope John Paul met with representatives of the religious of the country and with men and women representing politics, culture and the arts.
Noting that the "three great religions (are) present in this country, Jewish, Christian and Muslim," the Pope said: "Despite the differences between us, together we feel called to foster ties of mutual esteem and benevolence. I am aware of all that is being done by religious leaders in Azerbaijan to favor tolerance and mutual understanding. I am looking forward to the meeting tomorrow with the representatives of the three monotheistic religions, so that together we can affirm our conviction that religion must not serve to increase rivalry and hatred, but to promote peace and love.
"From this country, which has held and still holds tolerance as a primary value of all wholesome life in society, we wish to proclaim to the world: enough of wars in the name of God! No more profanation in His holy name! I have come to Azerbaijan as an ambassador of peace. As long as I have breath within me, I shall cry out: Peace, in the name of the God!"
"Praise to you, followers of Islam in Azerbaijan, for being open to hospitality, a cherished value of your religion and your people, and for having accepted the believers of other religions as brothers and sisters.
"Praise to you, Jewish people, who with courage and constancy, have kept your ancient traditions of good neighborliness, enriching this land with a contribution of great value and depth.
"Praise to you, Christians, who have given so much ... in shaping the identity of this land. Praise especially to you, Orthodox Church. ... When the fury of atheism was unleashed in this region, you welcomed the children of the Catholic Church who had lost their places of worship and their pastors, and put them into contact with Christ through the grace of the holy sacraments."
The Holy Father urged the men and women of culture and the arts to "transmit a taste for beauty to all those you meet!" He told them their contribution "is essential for the future of the Azerbaijani people. If culture is cast aside, if art is neglected and despised, the very survival of a civilization is imperiled."
Turning to the men and women of politics, he reminded them that their "specific activity is the service of the common good, the promotion of legality and justice, the guarantee of freedom and prosperity for all. But politics is also an area fraught with dangers. The selfish seeking of personal advantage can easily take over, to the detriment of faithful dedication to the common good." He remarked that "politics requires honesty and accountability" and that politicians "cannot deceive themselves: people do not forget!"
John Paul II exhorted the leaders to "look to your young people and spare no effort on their behalf. They are tomorrow's potential. ... Above all, care must be taken to educate them in the important values which last and give meaning to life and its pursuits."
In closing, the Pope addressed the men and women of religion: "You should become ever more involved in proclaiming with sincerity and frankness the values in which you believe, without recourse to dishonest means that impoverish and betray the ideals you affirm. Take a hard look at the substance of these ideals, and avoid methods of persuasion that do not respect the dignity and freedom of the human person."
PV-AZERBAIJAN;LEADERS; RELIGION; CULTURE;...;BAKU;VIS;20020523;Word: 600;
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