Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “May all those involved in the government of nations, do all they can to restore hope to the peoples whom they have the duty to guide; may they take their deepest aspirations into account and enable them to benefit from the products of their country's natural and economic resources, according to principles of justice and equity!” This was the appeal launched by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to the new Ambassadors to the Holy See of Thailand, Seychelles, Namibia, Gambia, Suriname, Singapore and Kuwait received in audience in the morning of Thursday 13 December. “Your function as diplomats is especially important in the world today, to demonstrate that in every situation of international life, dialogue must prevail over violence and a desire for peace and brotherhood must prevail over conflict and individualism, which lead only to tension and rancour and do not contribute to building of a reconciled society ” the Pope said speaking in French to all the Ambassadors to whom he addressed individual speeches in English. The Holy Father also assured his thoughts and prayers for Catholic communities in the countries' represented by the diplomats and he encouraged them “to continue the mission and witness they offer with the commitment to serve others”.
Benedict XVI recommended special attention for the education of new generations “to show them that they are the principal resource of a country”, and to ensure them integral education: “it is necessary to give priority to education to human and moral values, in order to help every young person acquire self confidence, hope for the future, concern for his brothers and sisters human beings and to take part in the development of the nation with an increasing awareness of others”. In this context the Pontiff said he hoped every country would give priority to education of youth fighting illiteracy and lack of many types of formation: “it is especially important to fight against the desperation which can take root in the hearts of youth and be the cause of numerous individual and collective acts of violence”. The Pope concluded reaffirming the commitment of Catholic schools and to work together with all men and women of good will “to promote integral education for young people”, encouraging all those involved in “this wonderful mission to educate children and to never tire in their task”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/12/2007; righe 30, parole 417)
