VATICAN - Benedict XVI tells pilgrims from the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate that the Pauline Year should involve “an intense pastoral outreach to awaken in the faithful a new impetus to know ever more closely the person of Christ, thanks to a renewed reading of Paul's writings.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On the morning of Thursday, May 8, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received a group of pilgrims from the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch, led by Patriarch Gregorios III Laham. After greeting members of the pilgrimage, the Pope spoke of their connection with the Apostle Paul, saying: “On drawing near to the beginning of the year dedicated to St. Paul, I cannot forget that the seat of your patriarchy is established in the city of Damascus, on the road to which the apostle lived the event that transformed his existence and opened the doors of Christianity to all the nations. I encourage you to carry out, therefore on the occasion of this event, an intense pastoral outreach to awaken in the faithful a new impetus to know ever more closely the person of Christ, thanks to a renewed reading of Paul's writings. This focus give fruitful testimony among men today and will also guarantee a thriving future for the Melkite Church.”
After observing the primary importance of the Bishops’ Synod, which is necessary “every time the right allows for it, above all when it has to do with questions related to those same bishops, to give this venerable institution and not only the Permanent Synod, the standing it merits,” the Pope made reference to the ecumenical outreach that is performed by the Melkite Catholic Church and the stable fraternal relations maintained with their Orthodox brethren. “The commitment to the search for unity of all Jesus' disciples is an urgent obligation, that comes from that ardent desire of the Lord Himself. Therefore, everything possible must be done to tear down the walls of division and mistrust that prevent us from achieving it. Nevertheless, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the search for unity is a task that concerns not only a particular Church but the entire Church, in respect of its nature.” Benedict XVI later recalled that “unity is not the fruit of human activity; rather it is above all, a gift of the Holy Spirit” and with that, he invited all to pray to the Holy Spirit, “so that He may help us to all work together towards unity.”
In the conclusion of his address, the Pope expressed his appreciation for their good relations maintained with the Muslims and for their efforts to resolves the problems that arise. “I am delighted, therefore, to see that in line with Vatican Council II, the Melkite Church has sincerely sought mutual understanding and the promotion and a shared defense of social justice, moral values, peace, and freedom with the Muslims to the benefit of all.”
In closing, Benedict XVI mentioned the “the troubled and at times dramatic context of the Middle East,” where “the Church finds itself faced with situations where politics plays a role that is not indifferent to its life.” And he continued saying, “that is why it is important to maintain contacts with the political authorities and institutions and the different political parties. Nevertheless, it does not fall to the clergy to dedicate themselves to a political life. That is the duty of the laity. The Church, however, should propose the light of the Gospel to all so that all may dedicate themselves to serve the common good and so that justice may always prevail, so that the path to peace for all peoples in this much loved region may be opened.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2008; righe 41, parole 569)