TO THE CONGOLESE BISHOPS: BE PROPHETS OF JUSTICE AND PEACE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 6, 2006 (VIS) - Pope Benedict XVI today received the second group of bishops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have just finished their "ad limina" visit.  The Pope asked the prelates to transmit to their diocese his "spiritual closeness," reminding them that they were invited "with all the inhabitants of the country to mobilize for peace and reconciliation after years of war that resulted, especially in your region, in millions of victims."

  "The work for peace," continued the Holy Father, "is a net thrown over the evangelical mission of the bishop. Your reports describe the difficult conditions in which you undertake your ministry...this year, in which your local Church was consecrated to the Blessed Anuarite Nengapeta, I desire that the imperative to love mobilize us and, for the holiness of your lives and for the dynamic ministry that animates you, that you be prophets of justice and peace."

  "It is important that you dedicate yourselves to the demanding work of radiating the Gospel in your culture, respecting the authentic and rich values of the Africans, but at the same time purifying that which is incompatible with the Gospel...Build up the family of the Church in your countries, as it is in other places, it is a difficult task, but I know that a dynamic apostolic fervor animates you. It is satisfying that the Congolese Episcopal Conference...has not spared efforts to open up within their hearts and consciences paths of reconciliation and fraternal communion."

  Focusing on the theme of national reconciliation, the Pope expressed the desire that good fruits may come from "the campaign undertaken by those responsible from other religious confessions to propose for all citizens a civic education." "The Church is called to participate in this work, taking the place that corresponds to you according to your vocation" and "to propose specific formation and training for the politicians of the country. It serves to reflect on the rich patrimony of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, one can reflect on his obligation in the service of the common good and keep in mind its moral challenges to work for the construction of just institutions for the renewal of society. "

  Pope Benedict XVI later invited the prelates to utilize, for the diffusion of the Gospel in their country "the means of social communication, in particular the radio and television...especially to limit the activities of those sects who utilize the profusion of new technologies for the purpose of attracting and confusing the faithful."

  Another pastoral priority  is "the evangelization of the family. The movement of the displaced and the refugees, the pandemic of AIDS, and also a notable mutations of contemporary society, have transformed many families, and weakened the institution of the family." The Pope highlighted the importance of encouraging Catholics  to preserve and promote family values and to give a balanced human and spiritual formation to those preparing for marriage. 

  The Holy Father had words of thanks for those consecrated who "in extreme conditions decide to remain on the side of those among the population who endure severe tests and hardships, giving them help, counsel and spiritual support." He also mentioned the condition of the youth and referred to the need for "pastoral initiatives that allow for the human and spiritual reconstruction of the children on the street and those children who are soldiers" and he asked the bishops and the Catholic schools to nourish the faith and hope of the young generation.

  "I reach out to the international community" concluded Pope Benedict XVI, "that they may not forget about Africa and that they may take brave action and decisions to consolidate the political and economic stability of Africa."
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