VATICAN - Pope at Angelus: “Our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus will be much more credible and effective the more that we are united in his love.” New appeal for Haiti.

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Day of the Migrant and Refugee, religious dialogue with the Jews, and Christian unity were the three main themes addressed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI in his discourse at the Angelus on Sunday, January 17. The presence of the Church alongside the Migrants “has been constant through time, reaching singular heights at the beginning of the last century,” the Holy Father said, recalling that this year, the focus of the day is on child immigrants and refugees. “The child too, in fact, whatever his nationality or the color of his skin, must first of all and always be considered a person, the image of God, to promote and protect against every marginalization and exploitation.”
Announcing the encounter that would take place in the afternoon, with the Jewish Community of the City of Rome, the Holy Father defined it as “another step on the journey of concord and friendship between Catholics and Jews,” and mentioned that “despite the problems and difficulties between the believers of the two religions, we breathe an air of great respect and dialogue, which testifies to how much the relationships have matured and the common commitment to value what unites us.”
Lastly, Benedict XVI recalled the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 18-25, which “constitutes, for believers in Christ, a propitious time to revive the ecumenical spirit, to meet each other, to get to know each other, to pray and reflect together.” Making reference to the Bible theme chosen this year: “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48), the Pope affirmed that “our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus will be much more credible and effective the more that we are united in his love, as true brothers. Thus, I invite parishes, religious communities, ecclesial movements and associations to pray unceasingly, in a special way during Eucharistic Celebrations, for the complete unity of Christians.”
Immediately following the Angelus, the Pontiff revisited the dramatic situation in Haiti with these words: “Our thoughts, in these days, turn to the dear people of Haiti, and [we] raise up sorrowful prayer. The apostolic nuncio, who, thanks be to God, is unhurt, keeps me continually informed, and thus I heard of the sad passing of the archbishop, as well as of many priests, religious and seminarians. I am following and encourage the numerous charitable organizations, who are taking charge of the immense necessities of the country. I pray for the injured, the homeless, and for those who tragically lost their lives.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/01/2009)