English Wall

“It is extremely important” to proclaim “with renewed enthusiasm and strength the everlasting message of the Gospel in a society that is not immune from the temptations of secularization, hedonism and relativism - the fall in the birth rate, the frailty of families and the illusion to make one’s fortune in foreign countries are a number of problems which attest to this fact”, said the Pope today as he received in audience the Belorussian bishops on their “ad limina” visit. “Before such challenges – he pointed out –, the pastors have the urgent task of stressing the power of faith” in order to “make their contribution towards preserving the deep Christian identity of the nation, in respectful dialogue with other cultures and traditions”. “To achieve this goal”, it is necessary that they “work out programmes and promote ever more suitable pastoral methods”. In particular, “special attention” should be given to the “educational dimension”. According to Benedict XVI, “today, there is a sort of emergency” and, therefore, it is all the more necessary to “multiply the efforts to offer a sound education to young generation in particular”. Hence the encouragement to care for “a suitable catechesis”; it is also important “to discern and accompany specific vocations, especially those to religious life and priesthood, as well as to promote and support those programmes aimed at the Christian and human development of the youth”. As he received in audience this morning the Belorussian bishops, Benedict XVI invited them to be vigilant so that “candidates to priesthood may receive a sound and solid education”. Stressing the importance of “those values which have contributed in a significant way to building the European civilization”, the Pope urged the prelates to intensify their “fraternal collaboration with the Belorussian Orthodox Church”. Even the Orthodox churches are “strongly engaged in reflection on how to respond to present-day challenges and pass on Christ’s message with fidelity”. The recent Orthodox-Catholic meeting in Cyprus reminded us that “we need to intensify our common journey in that direction”, said the Pope, even “with the significant contribution” of the “small, but fervent, Greek-Catholic community which lives in the country”. The Pontiff went on to recall the recent meeting with the president of the Republic of Belorussia in which “both parties reaffirmed their will to reach an Agreement - that is currently being drafted”. The Pope concluded by reaffirming the concern of the Holy See and of the Belorussian Bishops’ Conference for the situation in the country and the Church’s active collaboration on matters of common interest in order to promote the citizens’ common good in the areas of their respective competences.

© SIR - 17 diecmbre 2009