Flying to Mexico, the first stop on his 23rd international trip, Benedict XVI speaks of "a certain schizophrenia" of the Catholics between public and private morality. The Church's responsibility to educate consciences. Church must "expose this idolatry of money that enslaves men."

Leon (AsiaNews) - "In Latin America, but not only, a certain schizophrenia between individual and public morality is visible in no small amount of Catholics", said Benedict Xvi during his mid flight press conference with journalists on his way to in Leon (Mexico) where he will land in the afternoon (local time).

Answering a question on the timeliness of a theology of liberation stripped of its more extreme aspects, the Pope stated that "the Church must always ask if it does enough for social justice. The Church is not a political power, or party, but a moral reality. Her first thought must be to educate consciences". In this, he said, we encounter that schizophrenia often present in Catholics who "are believers in private but follow different paths in public life. We must overcome this schizophrenia and educate not only the individual morals but also public, and this is what we try to do with the social doctrine of the church. "

The Church's responsibility, he added, is to "educate the conscience, educate for moral responsibility" and "expose evil." We must "expose this idolatry of money that enslaves men," "expose these false promises." The Pope said the Church "unmasks evil" by rendering "present the goodness of God", "his truth".

 Regarding the socio-political situation in Cuba, the Pope recalled the visit of John Paul II 14 years ago which "opened a path of cooperation and dialogue", one which "requires patience," but that "continues ". Moreover, he added, Marxist ideology "does not respond to reality." He then assured that the Church wants to help "in a spirit of dialogue" to create a more just society. "The Church, he added," is always on the side of freedom ", conscience and religion.

The 23rd International Apostolic Journey of Benedict XVI began today, the Pope is expected to remain in Mexico until the morning of Monday 26, when he will leave for Cuba, before returning to Rome on the 28. Among the major commitments that await the Pope: the celebration of Mass on Sunday morning in Leon, and that on Monday afternoon in Santiago de Cuba for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre. In both countries he is scheduled to meet with the bishops and with the highest state authorities.  A greeting to Fidel Castro has not, officially, been included on the program. (GM)

 

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