VATICAN CITY, JUN 9, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, the Pope received prelates from the Regional Episcopal Conference of North Africa (CERNA) who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. The conference brings together bishops from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
"During the early centuries," said the Pope, "the Christian communities of your region contributed to creating a bridge between the shores of the Mediterranean. Even today St. Cyprian, St. Augustine and many other witnesses of the faith still remain as undisputed points of spiritual, intellectual and cultural reference."
"In our own time," he observed, "the members of your communities are highly diverse, both in terms of their origins and of the length and reasons of their presence in the Maghreb. In this way they provide an image of the universality of a Church whose evangelical message is addressed to all nations."
The Holy Father then went on to greet "young Christians from sub-Saharan Africa" who study in North Africa, expressing the hope that "the solidarity they show to one another, together with the fraternal support of their companions, may help them to bear witness to their faith as disciples of Christ among their fellow men."
Benedict XVI encouraged the bishops "always to remain close" to their faithful, giving them "the necessary spiritual assistance ... to achieve an awareness of the ecclesial significance of their presence in society, and to assume their responsibilities within the community."
"Strengthening their faith with the celebration of the Sacraments and with a solid Christian formation, as well as with the search for an evangelical perspective on the social, cultural and religious realities of the country, you will enable the faithful to face with courage the often difficult situations they meet in their daily life and work."
The Pope then went on to speak of the "important role of inter-religious dialogue" in the pastoral activities of North African dioceses. And he expressed his appreciation because the bishops, "through initiatives of dialogue, and with meeting places such as study centers and libraries," are "strongly committed to the development and deepening of relations of esteem and respect between Christians and Muslims in order to promote reconciliation, justice and peace."
"Moreover," he continued, "in sharing daily life, Christians and Muslims have the opportunity to discover the essential foundations for an improvement of their knowledge of one another," as they do in "their collaboration in the fields of healthcare, education, culture and service to the most needy."
"Among the serious problems your region has to face is that of the emigration of people from sub-Saharan Africa who seek to cross the Mediterranean and reach Europe in search of a better life," said the Pope. This "must encourage you to collaborate in the service of justice and peace. The situation of these people, very worrying and at times dramatic, calls out to consciences."
Benedict XVI praised the diocesan churches' "generous help" to these migrants describing it as "a contribution towards recognizing their dignity and a witness offered to the Lord. It is my heartfelt hope," he added, "that the countries touched by such migration may identify effective means to give everyone the hope of building a future for themselves and their families, and that the dignity of each person is always respected."
Finally, the Holy Father mentioned the male and female religious of North Africa, highlighting how their "life of prayer and contemplation is a grace for the entire Church in that region," and he specifically praised the example of the Tibhirine community.
"The ever closer collaboration between your dioceses and the Churches of the Middle East and Africa," he concluded, "honors your region, which is a meeting point between Africa, Europe and the Arab world."
AL/.../CERNA VIS 20070611 (630)
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