Vatican City, 16 January 2015 (VIS) –
This morning, local time, the Pope paid a visit to the Presidential
Palace, where he signed the Golden Book and then proceeded to the
Music Room, where he was received by Benigno Simeon Conjuangco Aquino
III, president of the Republic of the Philippines and his family.
Forty-five minutes later the Pope addressed the authorities and the
diplomatic corps in the Rizal Ceremonial Hall.
“In a particular way, this visit is
meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured
the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda”, he
began. “Together with many people throughout the world, I have
admired the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so
many Filipinos in the face of this natural disaster, and so many
others. Those virtues, rooted not least in the hope and solidarity
instilled by Christian faith, gave rise to an outpouring of goodness
and generosity, especially on the part of so many of the young. In
that moment of national crisis, countless people came to the aid of
their neighbours in need. At great sacrifice, they gave of their time
and resources, creating networks of mutual help and working for the
common good.
“This example of solidarity in the
work of rebuilding teaches us an important lesson”, he continued.
“Like a family, every society draws on its deepest resources in
order to face new challenges. Today the Philippines, together with
many other countries in Asia, faces the challenge of building on
solid foundations a modern society – a society respectful of
authentic human values, protective of our God-given human dignity and
rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical
questions. As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now,
more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for
honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good. In this way
they will help preserve the rich human and natural resources with
which God has blessed this country. Thus will they be able to marshal
the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to
pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice,
solidarity and peace”.
Essential to the attainment of these
national goals, he explained, “is the moral imperative of ensuring
social justice and respect for human dignity. The great biblical
tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the
poor. It bids us break the bonds of injustice and oppression which
give rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social inequalities.
Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the
exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and heart.
The bishops of the Philippines have asked that this year be set aside
as the 'Year of the Poor'. I hope that this prophetic summons will
challenge everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of
corruption which diverts resources from the poor, and inspire
concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and
child in the life of the community”.
A fundamental role in the renewal of
society is played “by the family and especially by young people. A
highlight of my visit will be my meetings with families and with
young people here in Manila. Families have an indispensable mission
in society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound
values, high ideals and genuine concern for others. But like all
God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It
needs our support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies
today to preserve and defend such basic human values as respect for
the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights
of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable
right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to
that of the elderly and infirm. For this reason, families and local
communities must be encouraged and assisted in their efforts to
transmit to our young the values and the vision which can help bring
about a culture of integrity – one which honours goodness,
truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the
moral glue which holds society together.
“Mr President, distinguished
authorities, dear friends, as I begin my visit to this country, I
cannot fail to mention the Philippines’ important role in fostering
understanding and cooperation among the countries of Asia. I would
also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of
the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they
live. It is precisely in the light of the rich cultural and religious
heritage of which your country is proud that I leave you with a
challenge and a word of prayerful encouragement. May the deepest
spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression
in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral
human development. In this way, each person will be able to fulfil
his or her potential, and thus contribute wisely and well to the
future of this country. I am confident that the praiseworthy efforts
to promote dialogue and cooperation between the followers of the
different religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble
goal. In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made
in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just
solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and
respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous
peoples and religious minorities”.
Following his address, Pope Francis
proceeded by car to the Cathedral of Manila.
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