Receiving the new ambassador of the Philippines, Pope Benedict XVI praised the initiatives that give support to dialogue and cultural exchange, especially in places affected by war, such as Mindanao. He expresses his spiritual closeness to the victims of Typhoon Ketsana. Combating poverty requires honesty, integrity, especially by those directly involved in the tasks of government and public administration.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – The Pope supports "courageous steps" undertaken by the Philippine government to "make peace prevail," especially through initiatives that promote dialogue and cultural exchanges and projects aimed at a "just and sustainable development for the entire population and particularly for the poorest”.   These are the themes at the centre of the address Benedict XVI delivered this morning to the new Philippine ambassador to the Holy See, Mercedes Arrastia Tuason, eho was presenting her letter of credentials.  

First and foremost Benedict XVI expressed his "spiritual closeness" and his prayers for the Filipino people and especially for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana   Recalling that for more than half a century, the Holy See and the Philippines have maintained "excellent" relations in their "cooperation for the promotion of peace, human dignity and freedom", the Pope expressed a new desire for cooperation "so that justice and freedom go hand in hand and the principles of democracy grow in truth. " "For its part - he added - in the midst of so much social economic and political change, the Church continues to indicate the Gospel as the path to authentic human development."  

In this regard, Benedict XVI has welcomed initiatives being implemented, such as the modernization of irrigation systems, the increase of public transport and the reform of social assistance programs, hoping that the country knows how to use "all its resources, spiritual and material, so that its citizens can thrive in body and soul".  These programs are mainly in support of the poor: "The fight against poverty requires honesty, integrity and unwavering loyalty to the principles of justice, especially by those directly engaged in the tasks of government and public administration."  

"In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups, the “work of charity” is particularly urgent.  This is especially true in regions that have been sadly scarred by conflicts" In praising the actions of those who promote understanding and dialogue, the Pope quoted in particular the Conference of Bishops and the ulema (BUC) and the Conference of the people of Mindanao and he concluded by affirming that the special ministerial meeting of Non-Aligned Movement on interfaith dialogue and cooperation for peace and development, that the Philippines will host in December represents "a promise for peace in Mindanao and the world".

 

 

 

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