Receives Letters of Credence From Ambassador
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 24, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI reiterated his concern for the victims of Hurricane Felix when he received the letters of credence of Nicaragua's new ambassador to the Holy See.
José Cuadra Chamorro and the Pope met today at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence south of Rome. The Holy Father renewed assurances of his prayers for the suffering people of Nicaragua.
He also reaffirmed his spiritual closeness to the all those affected by the Category 5 storm that hit Nicaragua on Sept. 4, voicing the hope that, "apart from domestic aid, they also receive generous contributions from the international community."
The Pontiff said that in order to resolve Nicaragua's various "economic, social and political problems," it is important for the country "to be able to rely, not only on the willingness and participation of citizens, but above all on that of the heads of various political and business groups."
"What is vital," he said, "is a union of effort and will to make it possible for political leaders to act decisively in the face of the challenges of a globalized world."
Church support
Benedict XVI further affirmed that "transparency and honesty in public affairs" is needed in order to achieve the goals the Nicaraguan government has set, such as the so-called Zero Hunger campaign, combating the drug problem, increasing literacy, eliminating poverty, and "thus reducing the inequality between people who have a superabundance of wealth and those who lack the basic necessities."
"The heads of civil institutions will find in the Church of Nicaragua -- notwithstanding its lack of resources and with a firmness in principles inspired by the Gospel -- a sincere collaborator in seeking just solutions," the Pope continued.
He added: "They should also recognize the Church's efforts to increase the awareness and responsibility of citizens, encouraging their participation and commitment in serving the needs of people who are often immersed in poverty.
"The bishops of your country, faithful to their strictly pastoral mission, are ready to maintain a dialogue -- a constant and sincere communication -- with the government, contributing to the creation of the essential conditions that favor true reconciliation, establishing a climate of peace and authentic social justice.
"Nonetheless 'the direct duty to work for a just ordering of society ... is proper to the lay faithful' who must undertake their political activity as 'social charity.'"
Pro-life
The Holy Father also expressed his appreciation for Nicaragua, especially because of "the position it takes on social questions in the international arena, especially as regards the theme of life, and in the face of no small amount of domestic and international pressure."
He also considered "it very positive that last year the national assembly approved the revocation of therapeutic abortion," and affirmed the "need to increase the aid that state and society provide to women who have serious problems during pregnancy."
Benedict XVI spoke of "the urgent necessity to retrieve and promote human and moral values in the face of so many forms of violence, even in the home and often as a result of the disintegration of families."
"The Church in Nicaragua is well aware of this sad state of affairs and seeks to face it with its teaching and pastoral programs," he said. "However the intervention of public institutions is also necessary, with appropriate educational programs on matters concerning the organization of social life."
ZE07092409 - 2007-09-24