JOHN PAUL II WELCOMES BISHOPS OF BENIN ON "AD LIMINA" VISIT

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2001 (VIS) - The bishops of Benin were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning at the end of their "ad limina" visit. The Pope, recalling his meetings with them during this past week, referred to these individual talks and to the prelates' "hopes and concerns at the start of this new millennium."

In his talk to them in French, the Holy Father reiterated several themes which appear in his Apostolic Letter "Novo millennio ineunte," namely, giving a new thrust to the new evangelization, focussing on the pastoral ministries for vocations, the family and lay people, especially catechists, the importance of a spirituality of communion, the permanent formation of priests and dialogue with other religions.

The principal task of bishops, priests, religious and the laity is the new evangelization, he said. Those who are well-prepared and re-affirmed in their faith will not only be able to bring Christ to others but will be able to challenge every novelty that passes for doctrine.

"Christians of your dioceses must also be men and women of communion and unity," the Pope added, urging the bishops to program "concrete initiatives to be faithful to God's plan and to answer the deep aspirations of the world."

Then, highlighting the fact that vocations are on the increase in Benin, he told the bishops that they have "a serious responsibility to discern the human, intellectual, moral and spiritual aptitudes of candidates and to recognize the authenticity of their vocation." He told them to "be demanding about the quality of the formation they receive" and to make sure that "the formators, professors and spiritual directors are well-prepared and exemplary in their priestly life."

Pope John Paul then turned to Benin's priests and men and women religious, thanking them for their service which, "often at the price of great self-denial, has allowed the Church to be born and grow in Benin." He especially underscored the contribution of women religious in their "service to the poorest and most forsaken of society, without any distinction as to origin."

"A mature and responsible laity, aware of their responsibilities in the Church and in society" is also needed for the new evangelization, said the Pope. They must be prepared to proclaim the Gospel in all milieux of life and "must act competently in the very complex worlds of politics, social life and the economy, according to the teachings of the Church's social doctrine, proposing to their fellow citizens a vision of man and society which conforms to basic human values. I especially invite them to work tirelessly to promote respect for the inviolable dignity of every human person."

He noted that the bishops, in their quinquennial reports, had emphasized "the serious problems relative to the family, its unity and its indissolubility" and encouraged them "to pursue a vigorous ministry for the family. ... It is especially fundamental for the future to educate young people to a just hierarchy of values" and "the Christian vision of marriage must be presented in all of its greatness."

Pope John Paul closed his talk to the bishops by remarking on the importance of inter-religious dialogue. He encouraged their "efforts to favor a better mutual knowledge as well as more genuine and fraternal relations among persons and communities, especially with Muslims."

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