John Paul II urges more attention for families and the poor stressing the Church's role as a mediator in case of inter-religious conflict.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – In his meeting with Thailand's new Ambassador to the Holy See, Pradap Pibulsonggram (55 year-old and a Political Science graduate from the University of Auckland, New Zealand), the Pope urged the Thai government to give "greater importance to the family and to do more to convince young people that "material wealth and quick economic gain are no replacement for the loving rapport found in 'domestic society'".

"In Asia," the Pope said, "the family has traditionally enjoyed a high level of esteem, regarded not only as the heart of interpersonal relationships but also as a place of economic security for its members". For this reason, it "must rightfully be seen as an essential agent of economic life, guided not by the market mentality but by the logic of sharing and solidarity among generations".

The Pope's statement echoes the thoughts and pronouncements made by the Bishops' Conference of Thailand, and its Asian counterparts, on the challenges of globalisation to family life.

In welcoming Thailand's new envoy to the Holy See, John Paul II spoke of how "Thailand continues admirably to cultivate a climate of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among its citizens" of whatever faith, a tolerance that is now grounded in the country's new constitution which guarantees the right to full religious expression and religious liberty.

In recent months, religious tensions have been rising in the southern part of the country between poverty-stricken Muslims and the Buddhist population.

The Holy Father pledged the Church's commitment to "solving problems as they might arise" in a spirit of collaboration.

He invited the Thai government to continue to help "those who are most in need so that they may obtain the economic self-sufficiency to which they have a right".

He also spoke of "the important role Thailand plays in regional and global politics" expressing the hope that it will "continue to participate actively in seeking solutions to today's grave global problems."

John Paul II ended his greetings offering Mr Pradap Pibulsonggram his "best wishes" at the beginning of his mission (at one time Mr Pibulsonggram was ambassador to Switzerland) and "invoked upon him and the beloved people of the Kingdom of Thailand abundant divine blessings".(DS)

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