VATICAN - Benedict XVI addresses the Bishops of Togo: “Formation offered to Christians must equip them with the means to deepen their faith, so that they are in a condition to deal with the difficult situations which arise and transmit the contents of the faith through the witness of the life”.

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On Friday June 22 Pope Benedict XVI received in audience the Bishops of Togo on their ad limina visit. In his address the Holy Father expressed his gratitude “for your perseverance and courage in the numerous difficulties which your country has experienced in recent years. On many occasions you have contributed to dialogue for national reconciliation, reminding everyone of the demands of the common good, in fidelity to the truth of God and man. I pray the Lord will bring you efforts to bear fruit so that your country may prosper in harmony and fraternity".
The Pope praised the Bishops of Togo for their continual efforts to promote “respect for life”, manifested with clear opposition to abortion. "The promotion of the truth and the dignity of marriage and safeguarding the values of the family must be among your principal priorities - the Pope recommended -. Family pastoral is an essential element for evangelisation. It helps young people understand the meaning of a unique and faithful commitment. I urge you therefore to give special care to the Christian formation of married couples and families ”.
Pope Benedict XVI then spoke about efforts on the part of the Catholic community in Togo in the fields of social work and healthcare where “the Church reveals God's loving presence among those who suffer and are in difficulty”. He also urged the Bishops to "support Catholic schools, places of integral education at the service of families and the handing on of the faith. Despite the great difficulties which can arise, their role in essential to enable young people to acquire a sound human, cultural and religious formation. Teachers and educators themselves must be models of Christian life for their pupils!".
“The work of evangelisation is an urgent necessity ” the Pope said as he sent affectionate greetings to catechists and other pastoral workers involved in this important sector. "The inculturation of the message of the Gospel carried out in fidelity to the teaching of the Church, helps the faith to take root in your people and enables them to welcome the person of Jesus Christ in every dimension of his existence. (...) While respecting the rich traditions which are a living expression of the soul of their people, Christians must resolutely refuse anything contrary to the liberating message of Christ or which alienates and imprisons the individual and society ".
In the conclusive part of his address the Pope said formation for priests, consecrated persons and lay men and women "must be given a central place" in pastoral work in every diocese. “Formation offered to Christians must equip them with the means to deepen their faith, so that they are in a condition to deal with the difficult situations which arise and transmit the contents of the faith through the witness of the life ”.
The Pope concluded encouraging the Bishops of Togo to continue to promote "ever deeper relations with the Muslim community” since this is “indispensable for agreement and harmony among all citizens and to promote values common to humanity".(S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/6/2007; righe 42, parole 564)