VATICAN CITY, DEC 6, 2004 (VIS) - Algirdas Saudargas, the new ambassador to the Holy See from Lithuania, presented his Letters of Credence today to Pope John Paul who, addressing the ambassador in his native tongue, recalled his 1993 visit to Lithuania, and said he prayed daily for Lithuanians "to whom I am linked by cultural and spiritual ties."
"It is part of the mission of the Successor of Peter," said the Pope, "to sustain believers in every part of the world and, at the same time, to constantly remind them of those universal values on which it is possible to build a just and solidary society. Supported by the centuries-old conviction that the universal moral law is a sure path for civil coexistence, the Holy See never tires of defending the rights of peoples to present themselves on the stage of history with their own characteristics, in respect for the legitimate freedom of each one."
Underscoring the Christian roots that have inspired Lithuanians for centuries, the Holy Father said he hoped that "the representatives of Lithuanian citizens, continuing to draw upon the noble legacy of human and Gospel ideals that mark Lithuania's history, will commit themselves with a sincere spirit to building a free society on solid ethical and moral foundations." He exhorted Catholics "to collaborate with all persons of good will to see that Lithuanian society avoids being strongly influenced by the secular hedonistic model of life with its fallacious seductions."
He said he hoped believers would "walk side by side with all those ... who promote the defense of the family and of life, from its conception to its natural end."
In closing remarks, John Paul expressed pleasure that Lithuania has been inserted "into the assembly of Nations of a united Europe. ... May the continent know how to find the ways and means to build peace and prosperity in a climate of fruitful collaboration, respecting cultures and the legitimate rights of everyone and pursuing the objective of the good of the person and of all of Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals."
CD/LETTERS CREDENCE/LITHUANIA:SAUDARGAS VIS 20041206 (360)
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