VATICAN CITY, FEB 9, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received the Letters of Credence of Juan Gomez Martinez, the new ambassador of Colombia to the Holy See.
The Holy Father observed in his talk that the diplomat represents a nation "which throughout its history has been distinguished by its Catholic identity," a characteristic also apparent "in the appreciation shown by the faithful to bishops and their collaborators as they seek to uphold the traditions and virtues inherited from their forebears."
Benedict XVI commended Colombia's efforts "in search of peace and reconciliation, and its commitment to encourage progress and more solid democratic institutions." He also had words of praise for objectives attained in the field of "greater security and social stability, and in the fight against poverty," and highlighted the advances made in education, which have favored "access by all citizens to school and university programs, because education is the cement of a more human and cohesive society."
However, alongside such achievements, Benedict XVI also recalled the persistence in the country of problems threatening "the dignity of people and the unity of families, evenly balanced economic development and an appropriate quality of life." And he encouraged "all Colombians to continue in their efforts to achieve agreement and the harmonious growth of the nation."
The Holy Father expressed his appreciation for the emphasis given in the ambassador's talk to "the important work of the Catholic Church towards national reconciliation." He also mentioned "the direct participation in activities aimed at rebuilding the country of certain bishops, priests and religious" who remind people of "the indispensable foundations of true human progress and peaceful coexistence."
Pope Benedict then went on to express his concern "over laws involving such delicate questions as the transmission and defense of life, illness, the identity of the family and respect for marriage. On these themes, ... the Catholic Church will ceaselessly continue to proclaim the inalienable greatness of human dignity. It is also necessary to appeal to the sense of responsibility of lay people in legislative bodies ... to ensure that laws always reflect principles and values in keeping with natural law, and that they promote the genuine common good."
"It is my ardent wish that in your country the cruel scourge of kidnapping, which so seriously affects the dignity and rights of individuals, may come to an end. I accompany in prayer all those who are unjustly denied their freedom and express my closeness to the families, trusting in their imminent release.
"On this subject," he added, "the numerous charitable institutions, following the pastoral plans of the episcopal conference and of the dioceses, are called to offer humanitarian assistance to the most needy - and especially to internally displaced peoples who are so numerous in Colombia - and to victims of violence. In this way, they also bear witness to the efforts of the Church which, ever within the limits of her own mission and of the circumstances being experienced by the nation, is architect of communion and hope."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/COLOMBIA:GOMEZ VIS 20070209 (520)
The Holy Father observed in his talk that the diplomat represents a nation "which throughout its history has been distinguished by its Catholic identity," a characteristic also apparent "in the appreciation shown by the faithful to bishops and their collaborators as they seek to uphold the traditions and virtues inherited from their forebears."
Benedict XVI commended Colombia's efforts "in search of peace and reconciliation, and its commitment to encourage progress and more solid democratic institutions." He also had words of praise for objectives attained in the field of "greater security and social stability, and in the fight against poverty," and highlighted the advances made in education, which have favored "access by all citizens to school and university programs, because education is the cement of a more human and cohesive society."
However, alongside such achievements, Benedict XVI also recalled the persistence in the country of problems threatening "the dignity of people and the unity of families, evenly balanced economic development and an appropriate quality of life." And he encouraged "all Colombians to continue in their efforts to achieve agreement and the harmonious growth of the nation."
The Holy Father expressed his appreciation for the emphasis given in the ambassador's talk to "the important work of the Catholic Church towards national reconciliation." He also mentioned "the direct participation in activities aimed at rebuilding the country of certain bishops, priests and religious" who remind people of "the indispensable foundations of true human progress and peaceful coexistence."
Pope Benedict then went on to express his concern "over laws involving such delicate questions as the transmission and defense of life, illness, the identity of the family and respect for marriage. On these themes, ... the Catholic Church will ceaselessly continue to proclaim the inalienable greatness of human dignity. It is also necessary to appeal to the sense of responsibility of lay people in legislative bodies ... to ensure that laws always reflect principles and values in keeping with natural law, and that they promote the genuine common good."
"It is my ardent wish that in your country the cruel scourge of kidnapping, which so seriously affects the dignity and rights of individuals, may come to an end. I accompany in prayer all those who are unjustly denied their freedom and express my closeness to the families, trusting in their imminent release.
"On this subject," he added, "the numerous charitable institutions, following the pastoral plans of the episcopal conference and of the dioceses, are called to offer humanitarian assistance to the most needy - and especially to internally displaced peoples who are so numerous in Colombia - and to victims of violence. In this way, they also bear witness to the efforts of the Church which, ever within the limits of her own mission and of the circumstances being experienced by the nation, is architect of communion and hope."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/COLOMBIA:GOMEZ VIS 20070209 (520)
No comments:
Post a Comment