Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Castel Gandolfo (Agenzia Fides) - "Once again, unfortunately, we hear news of death and violence - said Pope Benedict XVI yesterday, July 24, after the Angelus prayer he recited from the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo -. We all feel a deep sorrow for the major terrorist attacks which occurred in Norway last Friday. We pray for the victims, the wounded and their loved ones. I want to repeat again to everyone the heartfelt plea to abandon forever the path of hatred and escape from the logic of evil". Previously, the Pope had dwelt on the figure of King Solomon, presented by the liturgy of the day, who at the beginning of his kingdom cried out to the Lord to help him to support this responsibility and lead the nation wisely. The Lord answered his prayer, Solomon became famous for his wisdom and his righteous judgments. "But the example of Solomon applies to everyone - said the Pope -. Each of us has a conscience to be in a sense 'king', that is to exercise the human dignity of acting according to conscience by doing good and avoiding evil. Moral conscience requires the ability to listen to the voice of truth, to be obedient to his instructions. The persons involved in the tasks of government have naturally a further responsibility, and therefore - as taught by Solomon - need God even more, but everyone has his part to do, in the concrete situation in which he is". Benedict XVI then highlighted that "the true quality of our life and social life depends on the conscience of everyone, the ability of each and everyone to recognize good, separating it from evil, and patiently trying to put it into practice". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 25/07/2011)
