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Skriven 2007-02-13 06:46:26 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                               VIS-Press releases

COLOMBIA: CONTINUE EFFORTS TOWARDS PEACE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 9, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received
the Letters of Credence of Juan Gomez Martinez, the new ambassador of Colombia
to the Holy See.

The Holy Father observed in his talk that the diplomat represents a nation
"which throughout its history has been distinguished by its Catholic identity,"
a characteristic also apparent "in the appreciation shown by the faithful to
bishops and their collaborators as they seek to uphold the traditions and
virtues inherited from their forebears."

Benedict XVI commended Colombia's efforts "in search of peace and
reconciliation, and its commitment to encourage progress and more solid
democratic institutions." He also had words of praise for objectives attained
in the field of "greater security and social stability, and in the fight
against poverty," and highlighted the advances made in education, which have
favored "access by all citizens to school and university programs, because
education is the cement of a more human and cohesive society."

However, alongside such achievements, Benedict XVI also recalled the
persistence in the country of problems threatening "the dignity of people and
the unity of families, evenly balanced economic development and an appropriate
quality of life." And he encouraged "all Colombians to continue in their
efforts to achieve agreement and the harmonious growth of the nation."

The Holy Father expressed his appreciation for the emphasis given in the
ambassador's talk to "the important work of the Catholic Church towards
national reconciliation." He also mentioned "the direct participation in
activities aimed at rebuilding the country of certain bishops, priests and
religious" who remind people of "the indispensable foundations of true human
progress and peaceful coexistence."

Pope Benedict then went on to express his concern "over laws involving such
delicate questions as the transmission and defense of life, illness, the
identity of the family and respect for marriage. On these themes, ... the
Catholic Church will ceaselessly continue to proclaim the inalienable greatness
of human dignity. It is also necessary to appeal to the sense of responsibility
of lay people in legislative bodies ... to ensure that laws always reflect
principles and values in keeping with natural law, and that they promote the
genuine common good."

"It is my ardent wish that in your country the cruel scourge of kidnapping,
which so seriously affects the dignity and rights of individuals, may come to
an end. I accompany in prayer all those who are unjustly denied their freedom
and express my closeness to the families, trusting in their imminent release.

"On this subject," he added, "the numerous charitable institutions, following
the pastoral plans of the episcopal conference and of the dioceses, are called
to offer humanitarian assistance to the most needy - and especially to
internally displaced peoples who are so numerous in Colombia - and to victims
of violence. In this way, they also bear witness to the efforts of the Church
which, ever within the limits of her own mission and of the circumstances being
experienced by the nation, is architect of communion and hope."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/COLOMBIA:GOMEZVIS 070209 (520)

SUMMARY

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