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Skriven 2005-03-10 10:28:04 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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              The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                        Vatican Information Service.
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                               VIS-Press releases

SENEGAL: PEACE AND DIALOGUE TO LIVE A DIGNIFIED LIFE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 10, 2005 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Cardinal
Secretary of State Angelo Sodano received, in the Pope's name, the Letters of
Credence of the new ambassador from Senegal to the Holy See, Felix Oudiane.

The cardinal gave the diplomat a copy of the Pope's welcome speech, in which
the Holy Father recalls how Senegal "has a long tradition of coexistence among
all the communities of which the nation is composed. I am pleased with the
promising results of efforts made in your country to fortify civil peace, and
to eliminate all those elements which can give rise to dissention and violent
confrontation. It is essential that all inhabitants are able to live in
security and harmony."

John Paul II highlights that peace is "fundamental in order to realize people's
just aspiration to live a dignified and solidary life. Furthermore, it is more
necessary than ever to educate the new generations in the ideals of fraternity,
justice and solidarity."

"Senegal's commitment to seeking and consolidating peace in Africa is well-
known and appreciated by the international community," the Pope writes, adding
that the continent "has an urgent need for peace and stability. Violence will
never be a satisfactory solution for resolving disagreements between human
groups. Courage and perseverance are the most effective ways to achieve true
reconciliation."

After recognizing that Senegal "is particularly sensitive to the importance of
different religions being able to experience diversity within the unity of a
nation," the Pope writes: "This is one of the conditions for the full
development of society. Despite the inevitable difficulties inherent in
coexistence between different human communities, dialogue enables the richness
of their diversity to be recognized."

The Pope highlights the fact that dialogue needs to "find concrete expression
in true coexistence among communities, in order to serve the common good of the
one human family. There is still a long road to travel together, that of mutual
knowledge, forgiveness and reconciliation, through regular collaboration that
contributes to building a pacified and fraternal society."

In closing, the Holy Father addresses the Catholic community of Senegal,
calling it to "always remain united to its bishops, so that the love of Christ
may shine ever more brightly, and to share with everyone the joy and happiness
that it never ceases to receive from God. The Gospel calls all Christ's
disciples to work tirelessly with all men and women of good will to build the
unity of the human family, the source of which is in God."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/SENEGAL:OUDIANE VIS 050310 (430)

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