SLOVENIA: ENSURE CONTINUITY OF RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 16, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received the Letters of Credence of Ivan Rebernik, the new ambassador of Slovenia to the Holy See. In his address to the diplomat, the Holy Father observed how Slovenia "cultivates a fruitful dialogue with the ecclesial structures present on the ground, recognizing their positive contribution to the life of the nation."

  "From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the power of the Gospel was at work in the land of Slovenia," said the Holy Father, mentioning Sts. Victorinus and Maximianus. He also recalled Blessed Anton Maria Slomsek who "promoted national resurgence, undertaking valuable work in the formation of the Slovenian people."

  In Slovenia, Pope Benedict went on, "Christianity and national identity are closely linked. It is therefore natural that there should be such profound harmony with the Bishop of Rome." This "constructive dialogue was not interrupted by the sad events of last century," and in 2001 led to the signing of the Agreement between the Republic of Slovenia and the Holy See on juridical matters.

  "This is an important agreement," he added, "the faithful implementation of which cannot but strengthen mutual relations and collaboration for the promotion of the individual and the common good, while fully respecting the laicism of the State." However, "open questions" still exist, "which await a solution."

  Benedict XVI went on: "Knowing the respect and affection nourished by Slovenians for the Pope, I am certain that their political representatives will know how to interpret their traditions, sensibilities and culture. The Slovenian people have the right to affirm and assert the Christian spirit that formed their identity."

  "The task facing today's leaders is that of identifying appropriate ways to acquaint the new generations with a knowledge and appreciation of the values of the past, enabling them to bring the rich patrimony they have inherited into the millenium that has just begun. ... It would be truly shortsighted not to seek to open young people to a knowledge of their historical roots whence flows the lymph necessary to ensure the nation new seasons rich in fruit.

  "In this context," he added, "the question of [young people's] education - also in the religious values shared by the majority of the population - must not be avoided, if we do not wish to risk progressively losing the specific characteristics of national identity. What is at issue is respect for the very freedom of citizens, over which the Republic of Slovenia watches carefully, and which the Apostolic See also wishes to see promoted in the spirit of the aforementioned agreement."

  The Holy Father concluded by referring to "the experience of other peoples on the continent of Europe, in particular the Slavonic peoples, who, aware of the importance of Christianity for their social identity and of the valid contribution the Church can offer in this field, have not evaded the duty of ensuring, also through legislation, that their rich ethical and religious heritage may continue to bring abundant fruits to young generations."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/REBERNIK:SLOVENIA            VIS 20060918 (510)