VATICAN CITY, 11 MAY 2009 (VIS) - At 4.15 p.m. today, Benedict XVI made a courtesy visit to Shimon Peres, president of the State of Israel, in the presidential palace in Jerusalem.
Following some words from the president, the Pope pronounced his address. "I pray daily", he said, "for peace born of justice to return to the Holy Land and the entire region, bringing security and renewed hope for all".
After highlighting how "peace is above all a divine gift", the Pope addressed himself especially to the religious leaders present at the ceremony, saying: "the particular contribution of religions to the quest for peace lies primarily in the wholehearted, united search for God".
"Religious leaders must therefore be mindful that any division or tension, any tendency to introversion or suspicion among believers or between our communities, can easily lead to a contradiction which obscures the Almighty's oneness, betrays our unity, and contradicts the One who reveals Himself as 'abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness'".
The Holy Father then went on to affirm that "security, integrity, justice and peace" are, "in God's design for the world, ... inseparable. ... There is only one way to protect and promote these values: Exercise them! Live them! No individual, family, community or nation is exempt from the duty to live in justice and to work for peace".
"The authentic values and goals of a society, which always safeguard human dignity, are indivisible, universal and interdependent. Thus they cannot be satisfied when they fall prey to particular interests or piecemeal politics. A nation's true interest is always served by the pursuit of justice for all".
Finally, the Holy Father had words for "the ordinary families of this city, of this country", saying: "What parents would ever want violence, insecurity, or disunity for their son or daughter? What humane political end can ever be served through conflict and violence? I hear the cry of those who live in this land for justice, for peace, for respect for their dignity, for lasting security, a daily life free from the fear of outside threats and senseless violence.
"And I know", he added in conclusion, "that considerable numbers of men and women and young people are working for peace and solidarity through cultural programmes and through initiatives of compassionate and practical outreach; humble enough to forgive, they have the courage to grasp the dream that is their right".
PV-ISRAEL/COURTESY VISIT/JERUSALEM VIS 20090512 (410)
Following some words from the president, the Pope pronounced his address. "I pray daily", he said, "for peace born of justice to return to the Holy Land and the entire region, bringing security and renewed hope for all".
After highlighting how "peace is above all a divine gift", the Pope addressed himself especially to the religious leaders present at the ceremony, saying: "the particular contribution of religions to the quest for peace lies primarily in the wholehearted, united search for God".
"Religious leaders must therefore be mindful that any division or tension, any tendency to introversion or suspicion among believers or between our communities, can easily lead to a contradiction which obscures the Almighty's oneness, betrays our unity, and contradicts the One who reveals Himself as 'abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness'".
The Holy Father then went on to affirm that "security, integrity, justice and peace" are, "in God's design for the world, ... inseparable. ... There is only one way to protect and promote these values: Exercise them! Live them! No individual, family, community or nation is exempt from the duty to live in justice and to work for peace".
"The authentic values and goals of a society, which always safeguard human dignity, are indivisible, universal and interdependent. Thus they cannot be satisfied when they fall prey to particular interests or piecemeal politics. A nation's true interest is always served by the pursuit of justice for all".
Finally, the Holy Father had words for "the ordinary families of this city, of this country", saying: "What parents would ever want violence, insecurity, or disunity for their son or daughter? What humane political end can ever be served through conflict and violence? I hear the cry of those who live in this land for justice, for peace, for respect for their dignity, for lasting security, a daily life free from the fear of outside threats and senseless violence.
"And I know", he added in conclusion, "that considerable numbers of men and women and young people are working for peace and solidarity through cultural programmes and through initiatives of compassionate and practical outreach; humble enough to forgive, they have the courage to grasp the dream that is their right".
PV-ISRAEL/COURTESY VISIT/JERUSALEM VIS 20090512 (410)
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