CYRIL, METHODIUS: MODELS FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN CULTURES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 13, 2006 (VIS) - Benedict XVI today received the Letters of Credence of Valentin Bozhilov, the new Bulgarian ambassador to the Holy See. The Pope opened his address to the diplomat with a reference to the people affected by recent flooding in the country, and called on the international community to help them.

  Then, quoting words from the ambassador's own speech, the Holy Father highlighted the fact that Sts. Cyril and Methodius, "the first evangelizers of Bulgaria, still represent a model for dialogue between cultures," because thanks to them "the Good News of Christ reached the inhabitants of central and Eastern Europe in their own language. Thus, a new culture arose and - nourished by the Gospel and by Christian tradition - developed through liturgy, legislation and institutions until it became the common heritage of all the Slavs." These two saints, "overcoming the rivalry and dissention of their time, show us the way to dialogue and unity."

  "Your country," the Pope told the new ambassador, "is now preparing to enter the European Union. Because of their history and culture, the Bulgarian people ... are called to play an important role in the task of restoring to our continent that spiritual impulse it so often lacks." On this subject, Benedict XVI highlighted the role of young people, "whose noble aspirations become clear during great occasions, such as World Youth Days, but with difficulty find space in our societies which are too concentrated on consumption and material goods."

  Bulgaria, said Pope Benedict, "will know how to make its own special contribution to the common edifice. In this way, that edifice will not simply become one big market for exchanging material goods, ... but also a place with a soul and an authentic spiritual dimension reflecting the heritage of so many witnesses from the past, and a land in which the life and creativity that mould future Europeans can flower."

  "In an uncertain and turbulent world such as our own, Europe can become a witness and messenger of the vital dialogue between cultures and religions. The history of the old continent, deeply marked by divisions and fratricidal wars but also by efforts to overcome them, invites Europe to undertake this mission in order to respond to the hopes of so many men and women who still aspire, in many countries of the world, to development, democracy and religious freedom."

  "The Holy See ... does not cease to act in order to promote ... true dialogue between nations and between religious leaders. In the first place, this must involve a diminution of violence which in our times is spreading dangerously, and the demolition of the walls of ignorance and mistrust which can engender violence."

  "Because Europe cannot close in on itself, it is also important to foment a more equal distribution of wealth in the world, and to promote true development in Africa, in order to correct the injustices arising from the current imbalance between North and South, which is one cause of tensions and threats to peace. I do not doubt that your government will make every effort to be ... a messenger of tolerance and mutual respect within the family of nations."

  The Pope concluded his address to the Bulgarian ambassador by greeting the Catholic community in Bulgaria, which holds "the precious memory of Blessed Pope John XXIII, who was an esteemed apostolic delegate to that country." And he invited all Bulgarian Catholics "to collaborate whenever possible with their brethren in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church."
CD/BULGARIA/BOZHILOV                            VIS 20060515 (600)