BOLIVIA: A NATION'S FUTURE MUST BE BASED ON PEACE IN SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 8, 2003 (VIS) - This morning at Castelgandolfo the Pope received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador of Bolivia, Valentin Abecia Baldivieso. In his speech to the diplomat, the Holy Father affirmed that the current situation in his country "should not cause division or foment hate or rancor among those who are called to be the builders of the country. It is well known that the future of a nation must be based on peace in society which is the fruit of justice."

After recalling that the bishops of Bolivia offered their collaboration in moments of great difficulty in the country "in order to foster peace initiatives that favor understanding and forgiveness," John Paul II said that "honesty, austerity, responsibility for the common good, solidarity, a spirit of sacrifice and the culture of work, can assure greater development."

"Bolivians," he continued, "with the rich qualities that distinguish them, must be the central protagonists and builders of progress in the country, creating a political stability that allows everyone to participate in public life." The Pope expressed the hope that the "government's action contribute to overcome the grave and prolonged financial crisis that mainly affects the weakest sectors of society."
The Holy Father indicated that "the painful and widespread problem of poverty, with serious consequences in the field of education, health care and housing, is a pressing challenge for those who govern and are responsible for public services for the nation's future. This requires a serious awareness to decisively take hold of the situation which is present on all levels, cooperating in this way in a true commitment to the common good."

"I have in mind," he added, "the farmers, the miners, those who live on the outskirts of cities, and those who are victims of a materialism which excludes human beings and revolves around the interests of getting rich or gaining power. In the face of this trial," he concluded, "the Church, with the contribution of her social doctrine, tries to inspire and promote initiatives aimed at overcoming situations of exclusion that affect so many brothers and sisters in need, in order to eliminate the roots of poverty."

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