Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – At the close of the General Audience on Wednesday, November 11, held in the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father Benedict XVI launched an appeal for Sri Lanka, which we here publish in its entirety: “It has been about six months since the end of the conflict that has bloodied Sri Lanka. We note with satisfaction the efforts of those authorities which, in recent weeks, are facilitating the safe return of displaced persons from war. I strongly encourage an acceleration of that commitment and I urge all citizens to strive for rapid peace with full respect for human rights, and for a just political solution of the challenges still facing the country. I hope, finally, that the international community may work for the humanitarian and economic needs of Sri Lanka, and I raise my prayer to the Blessed Virgin of Madhu, that she may continue to watch over that beloved land.”
In his weekly catechesis, the Pope reflected on what the Order of Cluny had offered in the renewal of monastic life and the process of forming Europe's identity. “The Cluniac reform had positive effects not only on the purification and reawakening of monastic life, but also on the life of the universal Church,” Benedict XVI said, recalling the inspiration to fight against two grave evils that afflicted the Church at that time: simony and immorality of the clergy. There were also benefits to society: “At a time in which only ecclesiastical institutions provided for the indigent, charity was practiced with determination. In all houses, the almoner had to receive passers-by and needy pilgrims, traveling priests and religious, and above all the poor who came to ask for food and roof for a day.”
The so-called “truce of God” and the “peace of God” were initiatives inspired by the Cluniac reform, to assure long periods without war and respect for defenseless persons and holy places in a time marked by conflict and violence. “Thus enhanced in the conscience of the people of Europe was that process of long gestation, which led to the recognition, in an ever clearer way, of two essential elements for the construction of society, that is, the value of the human person and the primary good of peace,” the Pope explained. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2009)
