VATICAN CITY, MAY 8, 2004 (VIS) - Ambassadors of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization were welcomed this morning to the Vatican by the Holy Father who, in his talk to them in English and French, said he "prays that organizations like UNESCO remain an essential element in building a true culture based on peace, justice and fairness."
"The advancement of human society is directly related to the progress of culture," he said. "Mankind, in fact, lives a truly human life because of culture, an important expression of which is found in the arts and sciences."
The Pope went on to say that "the Church has always been a friend of arts and sciences. In fact, the world artistic heritage is a treasure of human creativity. ... The Church constantly uses fine arts to help celebrate the gift of life and, especially, her sacred rites in a worthy, just and beautiful manner." He stressed the Church's support for and encouragement of arts and sciences, "especially in her promotion of the dignity and value of human life."
In the Church, he added, this support has been tangibly expressed through institutions such as the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which just marked its fourth centenary, and the Pontifical Academies of Social Sciences and Life.
"Unfortunately," stated John Paul II, "in these difficult times, we often see our progress threatened by the evils of war, poverty, racism and the exploitation of others. These adverse influences not only weigh on our human existence but they also hinder our capacity to build a better world."
AC/ARTS:SCIENCES/UNESCO VIS 20040510 (270)
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