Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Saturday 15 February Pope John Paul II gave audiences to the Catholic Bishops of five African countries: Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Conakry.
Speaking in English to the first group the Holy Father said: "It is with great joy and affection in our Lord Jesus Christ that I welcome you, the Bishops of the Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, on the occasion of your ad Limina visit. Through you I extend warm greetings to the clergy, religious and laity in your countries". Stressing the importance of dialogue among religions in Africa the Pope said: "As you are aware, this same word of God can also act as a fundamental point of departure for essential dialogue with the followers of African traditional religions and Islam. It is your task to continue to foster an attitude of mutual respect which avoids religious indifference and militant fundamentalism. You must remain vigilant to ensure that the truth is never silenced. This form of social stewardship requires efforts to protect a fundamental religious freedom, but a freedom which must never be exploited for political ends. At no time should anyone be punished or criticised for speaking the truth." In his address the Pope did not fail to mention peace and the need to work for reconciliation." Although your countries continue to face humanitarian challenges, I join you in giving thanks to God for the great strides made in restoring peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone. At the same time, however, I am troubled by recent developments in the immediate area which could threaten the continuing efforts to re-establish stability. The path to peace is always a difficult one. Nevertheless, I am certain that the commitment and good will of those involved in the process can help to build once more a culture of respect and dignity. The Church, which has suffered enormously from these conflicts, must maintain her strong stance in order to protect those who have no voice. I call on you, my Brother Bishops, to work tirelessly for reconciliation and to bear authentic witness to unity by gestures of solidarity and support for the victims of decades of violence".
Addressing the Bishops of Equatorial Guinea in Portuguese the Pope said that when the Church upholds human dignity and rights she does so to make sure that these are not violated by individuals or authorities. One of the most greatest problems facing the Church in this African country is a scarcity of priests, the Pope noted and he said: "This is why it continues to be necessary to promote vocation pastoral to include your respective clergy of local origin who can unite with the missionaries who assist the different communities. Vocations to the priesthood and the religious life are a gift of God for which we must pray earnestly; hence the importance of prayers for vocations, as the Lord commanded (cfr Mt 9, 38). It is also important to be able to rely on strong healthy families where authentic values are taught and assimilated as well as church communities were the figure of the pastor is considered and valued in the right measure".
Addressing the Bishops of Guinea Conakry the Pope spoke of evangelisation: "The Catholic Church in Guinea is a very lively reality. During the happy and the painful pages of the country's history despite the small number of its members and means, it never forget its calling to be leaven of the Gospel…the new challenges to evangelisation that present themselves to the Church today must not instil fear, on the contrary they should revive missionary awareness rooting it in ever stronger union with Christ and strengthening the bonds of communion which renders fecund the witness of Christians". See speeches in English and Portuguese and Italian translation at www.fides.org. (Fides Service 18/2/2003 EM lines 46 Words: 659)