VENEZUELAN BISHOPS: PROMOTE CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 11, 2002 (VIS) - This morning, John Paul II addressed prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela at the close of their "ad limina" visit, inviting them to "promote a climate of open and constructive dialogue" with those in positions of civil responsibility.

The Pope expressed his joy at the celebration of the first Plenary Council of Venezuela which is presently being held. It, he said, "must be lived and fulfilled as a truly special experience of the Spirit that guides the Church and keeps her in the unity of faith and charity. Its first fruit is communion among pastors who, in their turn, are the foundation for unity in the particular Churches over which they preside."

"In all stages of this council," he continued, "I thus invite you to foster a spirit of dialogue, fraternal harmony and sincere collaboration, avoiding any form of discord that could disorient the faithful or become a pretext for malicious acts by those who harbor interests that are alien to the good of the Church."

The Holy Father affirmed that the prelates are "highly conscious of the profound and rapid social transformations that influence the great task of evangelization. ... In this context, the renewal of catechesis takes on particular importance." He went on to add that "the lay culture, the climate of religious indifference and the fragility of certain traditionally-solid institutions - such as the family, educational centers and even some ecclesiastical institutions - can damage the channels through which Christian faith and education are transmitted to the new generations."

In this situation, he said, "we must infuse pastors and catechists with renewed ardor so that, through their own testimony and the creativity that so often characterizes them, they may find the most appropriate ways to bring the light of Christ to the hearts of all Venezuelans, inducing that joyous sense of surprise that His message and presence bring."

The Pope indicated that over the last few years, despite the country's abundant natural and human resources, there has been an increase in poverty "at times extreme, for numerous people and families." He stressed that the Church "has always borne witness to divine mercy and continues to do so with her generous and unconditional dedication to the most needy. This must become an ever more generalized approach among all Christian communities, with the active collaboration of their members and the tireless promotion of a spirit of solidarity among all the Venezuelan people.

"Apart from these urgent problems which cannot be put off, you also feel the need to contribute to building a social order that is ever more just, peaceful and beneficial for everyone. Indeed, without seeking to compete in matters that concern the civil authorities, at times the Church will feel called to speak out for those to whom no one seems to listen. ... At other times, she will seek forms of loyal collaboration in initiatives aimed at the integral good of people and which, for that reason, concern both the Church's own mission and the specific aims of social organizations. Such organizations cannot overlook, still less ignore, the Church's considerable contribution to so many matters that regard the common good."

John Paul II concluded: "I well know that this aspect of your ministry is not always easy, and that there is no lack of misunderstandings, of attempts at distortion and of intentions that are more or less openly partisan. However, this is not the field in which the Church operates. She wishes to promote a climate of open, constructive, patient and impartial dialogue between all those who hold positions of civil authority, with the aim of safeguarding the dignity and inalienable rights of the individual in all social projects."

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