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The World Seen From Rome
Daily dispatch - May 08, 2009
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POPE IN THE HOLY LAND
Pope Praises Religious Freedom in Jordan
Pontiff Defends Role of Disabled in Society
VATICAN DOSSIER
Pontiff Urges Romania Churches to Work Together
Aid Agency Leader Named to Cor Unum Council
WORLD FEATURES
Day 1 of Pope's Pilgrimage Seen as Success
US Prelate Urges Patriotism in Sacramental Life
Aid Worker Asks If Pope Can Give Too Much Hope
NEWS BRIEFS
Cardinal Talks to Colombia Rebels, Hopes for Peace
Neocatechumenal Way Founder Awarded Doctorate
Caritas Worker Killed in Sri Lanka "Safe" Zone
DOCUMENTS
Papal Press Conference en Route to Jordan
Papal Address Upon Arrival in Amman
Pope's Address at Regina Pacis Center
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Pope Praises Religious Freedom in Jordan
Starts Mideast Trip Reiterating He's Come as a PilgrimAMMAN, Jordan, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI praised a climate of religious freedom in Jordan that is enabling Christians to build a church at the site where tradition holds that Jesus was baptized.
The Pope expressed this today when he arrived in Jordan for the first leg of his weeklong Holy Land pilgrimage. He was greeted at the Queen Alia di Amman airport by the king and queen of Jordan, Abdullah II and Rania.
"I come to Jordan as a pilgrim," the Holy Father affirmed, "to venerate holy places that have played such an important part in some of the key events of Biblical history."
The Pontiff will visit Mount Nebo, where Moses led the Israelites to within sight of the Promised Land, and Bethany, where John the Baptist preached about Jesus and baptized him in the River Jordan.
Muslim relations
In his first discourse of his Middle East trip, Benedict XVI expressed his "deep respect for the Muslim community." And he praised King Abdullah II for efforts in "promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam."
Referring to the king's "Amman Message" and "Amman Interfaith Message," the Pope said that "these worthy initiatives have achieved much good in furthering an alliance of civilizations between the West and the Muslim world, confounding the predictions of those who consider violence and conflict inevitable."
He also lauded Jordan for supporting efforts to finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for accepting refugees from Iraq.
Regarding religious freedom in Jordan, which the Pope said is characterized by the "opportunity that Jordan's Catholic community enjoys to build public places of worship," the Holy Father reminded that it is a "fundamental human right."
He said that it is his "fervent hope and prayer that respect for the inalienable rights and dignity of every man and woman will come to be increasingly affirmed and defended, not only throughout the Middle East, but in every part of the world."
Jordan is only about 6% Christian, and the majority of those are Greek Orthodox. The Sunni Muslim population of the nation is about 92%.
Benedict XVI concluded expressing his hope that his pilgrimage, "and indeed all the initiatives designed to foster good relations between Christians and Muslims, will help us to grow in love for the Almighty and Merciful God, and in fraternal love for one another."
For his part, King Abdullah told the Pope, "We welcome your commitment to dispel the misconceptions and divisions that have harmed relations between Christians and Muslims."
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Pontiff Defends Role of Disabled in Society
Says Faith Can Help to "Imagine Life as God Does"AMMAN, Jordan, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is defending the contribution made to society by those with disabilities, choosing as his first stop during his weeklong Holy Land pilgrimage a home for mentally or physically handicapped youth.
The Pope visited the Regina Pacis center in Amman today, just an hour after his official welcome to Jordan by the nation's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania.
The center was founded in 2004 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and offers not only medical attention but also formation and education to disabled youth, both Christian and Muslim.
Bishop Selim Sayegh, Latin patriarchal vicar of Jordan and the center's founder, together with the youth, the nursing staff and volunteers, the Comboni religious women who run the center, and retired Patriarch Michel Sabbah welcomed the Holy Father to the site. His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal offered words of welcome.
In a festive encounter celebrated in the center's chapel, the Pontiff recognized that these disabled youth have been led to Regina Pacis by journeys "marked by suffering or trial."
"Some of you struggle courageously with disabilities, others of you have endured rejection, and some of you are drawn to this place of peace simply for encouragement and support," he said. "It is a great joy for me to be with you."
The Pope lauded the "center's great success in promoting the rightful place of the disabled in society and in ensuring that suitable training and opportunities are provided to facilitate such integration."
Meaning and purpose
Benedict XVI offered a reflection on the mystery of suffering as he spoke with the disabled youngsters and their caregivers.
"At times it is difficult to find a reason for what appears only as an obstacle to be overcome or even as pain -- physical or emotional -- to be endured," he said. "Yet faith and understanding help us to see a horizon beyond our own selves in order to imagine life as God does. God's unconditional love, which gives life to every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life."
The Holy Father confided that being with the youth was a blessing for him personally: "I wish to say that standing in your midst I draw strength from God."
"Your experience of trials, your witness to compassion, and your determination to overcome the obstacles you encounter, encourage me in the belief that suffering can bring about change for the good," he said. "In our own trials, and standing alongside others in their struggles, we glimpse the essence of our humanity, we become, as it were, more human.
"And we come to learn that, on another plane, even hearts hardened by cynicism or injustice or unwillingness to forgive are never beyond the reach of God, can always be opened to a new way of being, a vision of peace."
Coming with hope
Upon his arrival, Benedict XVI was welcomed by a group of youth who improvised a small Arabic festival with songs and greetings. A priest with a megaphone led them with Arabic slogans and the refrain "Benvenuto, Benedetto" (Welcome, Benedict). Jordanian and Vatican flags waved as the Holy Father entered the church amid shouts of "Be-ne-det-to."
When he reached the altar, the Bishop of Rome knelt to pray and those inside fell silent. After his address, he personally greeted many of those present. Applause broke out when a pair of youth put the "keffiyeh" on the Holy Father -- the typical red and white headdress worn by many Arab men.
During his discourse, the Pope again reiterated his intention for coming to the Holy Land: "Friends, unlike the pilgrims of old, I do not come bearing gifts or offerings. I come simply with an intention, a hope: to pray for the precious gift of unity and peace, most specifically for the Middle East. Peace for individuals, for parents and children, for communities, peace for Jerusalem, for the Holy Land, for the region, peace for the entire human family; the lasting peace born of justice, integrity and compassion, the peace that arises from humility, forgiveness and the profound desire to live in harmony as one."
Before leaving, the Pontiff entrusted the youth with a special task: "I exhort you all to pray every day for our world. And today I want to ask you to take up a specific task: Please pray for me every day of my pilgrimage; for my own spiritual renewal in the Lord, and for the conversion of hearts to God's way of forgiveness and solidarity so that my hope -- our hope -- for unity and peace in the world will bear abundant fruit."
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Pontiff Urges Romania Churches to Work Together
Echoes John Paul II's Prayer for Christian UnityVATICAN CITY, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is expressing the hope that by drawing on the teachings of Pope John Paul II, believers will unite to reinforce Christian values in modern society.
The Pope stated this in a message to Archbishop Ioan Robu of Bucharest, Romania, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's May 7-9 visit to that country.
The message was delivered by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Vatican relations with states and the Pontiff's special envoy for the celebrations surrounding this event promoted by the Catholic Church in Romania, the Romanian Orthodox Church and the state.
The Holy Father stated that this event "brings together the Catholic and Orthodox faithful of that country which, for its geographical location and its long history, for its culture and its traditions, has a unique ecumenical vocation inscribed in its very roots."
He expressed the hope that "believers in Christ will not only treasure the memory of those unforgettable days, but that, drawing from the teaching of my venerated predecessor John Paul II, they will commit themselves to seeking courageous ways to face together the great challenges of our time."
"I am thinking particularly of the defense of human life at every stage, protection of the family, respect for creation and promotion of the common good," he added.
"Furthermore," Benedict XVI affirmed, "making the wishes of the beloved John Paul II my own, I invite people to pray that, as soon as possible, we may achieve the full fraternal communion of all Christians, both of the West and the East."
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Aid Agency Leader Named to Cor Unum Council
VATICAN CITY, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, appointed the president of Aid to the Church in Need, Father Joaquín Alliende, to the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.The aid agency announced today the appointment of the Chilean priest, who is a member of the Schonstatt Fathers.
He became president last October of the agency, which gives pastoral support to the Church in some 140 countries.
Father Alliende participated as an advisor in the last three general assemblies of the Latin American bishops' conference. He is involved with the World Council of Churches in Geneva, and belongs to theological commissions in various countries.
The priest met recently with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Patriarch Kirill, as part of his particular program to promote interreligious dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church through the aid agency.
Before becoming president, he was involved with the agency as an advisor on theological issues and an international ecclesiastical assistant.
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Day 1 of Pope's Pilgrimage Seen as Success
Vatican Aide Reflects on Pontiff's Idea of Peace for RegionBy Mercedes de la Torre
AMMAN, Jordan, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is in the Holy Land as a self-defined "pilgrim of peace," but he hopes to bring the region more than an absence of conflict, says a Vatican aide following the weeklong pilgrimage.
Father Caesar Atuire, the delegate administrator of Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, spoke with ZENIT about the Pope's trip, which began today in Jordan.
The Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi is the Vatican institution whose mission is to evangelize through pastoral tourism and the ministry of pilgrimage.
This trip is important, Father Atuire said, "because he is arriving in a moment in which this land is trying to find a way of living in peace among the various peoples and the Pope truly arrives as a pilgrim of peace."
"He arrives to call all those peoples who believe in the one God to this innate vocation that God has wanted to give to man, so we can seek peace in God and in respect for each other," the priest said.
"The prophet Isaiah presents the Messiah as 'the Prince of Peace,' he who is going to bring peace to the earth. And this is what we truly want: peace. The peace we seek is the biblical 'Shalom,' -- it is not just a question of leaving aside conflict in the sense of wars. We are seeking a deeper peace, meaning man living in harmony with God, with himself, and with others. This is a gift of God and it must be asked for in prayer. We can't obtain it only through political negotiations," he added.
Father Atuire affirmed: "This trip has begun very well with a lot of serenity -- because as always, before all of the Pope's trips, there are a lot of worries, there is a lot of conflict that some people want to stir up. But what we have seen is that the Pope has arrived truly as a messenger of peace.
"He has been welcomed by the people, by the Muslims, by the king who is Muslim, by his family. And he has also wanted to begin his visit visiting the poor, society's most marginalized, and I think this has given a very good start to this trip."
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US Prelate Urges Patriotism in Sacramental Life
Calls Notre Dame's Honor of Obama the Greatest ScandalWASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Raymond Burke is encouraging Catholics to practice patriotism within the Church, drawing strength from the sacraments to fuel efforts to transform the country.
The prelate, head of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature and former archbishop of St. Louis, affirmed this today at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.
He stated that "the most treasured gift which we as citizens of the United States of America can offer to our country is a faithful Catholic life."
The archbishop continued: "It is the gift which, even though it has often been misunderstood, has brought great strength to our nation, from the time of its founding. Today more than ever, our nation is in need of Catholics who know their faith deeply and express their faith, with integrity, by their daily living."
He noted that it is God who gives us, in the Church, "the grace to practice patriotism as a fundamental expression of the bond of charity which we have, in him, with our fellow citizens."
Though there has been a lot of political language focusing on "change" recently, Archbishop Burke affirmed, "the change which brings hope can only be the renewal of our nation in the divine love which respects the inviolable dignity of every human life, from the moment of its inception to the moment of natural death, and which creates and gives growth to new human life through the love of man and woman in marriage."
"Any hope which is incoherent with the great hope is truly illusory and can never bring forth justice and its fruit, peace, for our nation and world," he added.
Not alone
The prelate acknowledged, "In the battle for the protection of the right to life and for the safeguarding of the integrity of marriage and the family in our nation, we are easily tempted to give way to discouragement."
He continued: "And it would be right to do so, if the outcome of the battle depended upon us alone. But it does not.
"Christ is with us always in the Church and, in a particular way, in the struggle to restore the respect for the right to life of all of our brothers and sisters, especially those who are helpless and who have the first title to our care, and to safeguard the integrity of marriage and the family."
The archbishop urged his listeners: "If we are serious about our patriotic duty, then we must pray every day for our leaders, especially our president, and our nation."
He also encouraged a more fervent practice of "fasting and abstinence for the conversion of our lives and the transformation of our society."
"At every Mass, we should offer special prayers for our nation and her leaders, in order that the culture of death may be overcome and a civilization of love may be steadfastly advanced," Archbishop Burke urged.
He added: "All Catholics throughout the nation should take part in Eucharistic adoration and in the praying of the rosary for the restoration of the respect for human life and for the safeguarding of the integrity of the family."
Universities
The prelate emphasized, "In a culture marked by widespread and grave confusion and error about the most fundamental teachings of the moral law, our Catholic schools and universities must be beacons of truth and right conduct."
He stated that the "granting of an honorary doctorate at Notre Dame University to our president who is as aggressively advancing an anti-life and anti-family agenda is a source of the gravest scandal."
The archbishop explained: "In a culture which embraces an agenda of death, Catholics and Catholic institutions are necessarily counter-cultural.
"If we as individuals or our Catholic institutions are not willing to accept the burdens and the suffering necessarily involved in calling our culture to reform, then we are not worthy of the name Catholic."
"Let us not give way to discouragement in our exercise of patriotism but rather be confident of the essential contribution which our Catholic faith makes to the life of our nation," the prelate said.
He concluded, "May the courage and strength which comes to us from the Sacred Heart of Jesus enlighten our minds to see more clearly the gravity of the situation of our nation and inflame our hearts to do our part to transform the life of our nation, in accord with the natural moral law, that is, with what is just and serves the good of all."
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Aid Worker Asks If Pope Can Give Too Much Hope
Describes Environment As Papal Holy Land Visit BeginsKOENIGSTEIN, Germany, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land is inspiring a lot of hope, even perhaps too much, says a regional specialist of Aid to the Church in Need.
Marie-Ange Siebrecht, one of the aid agency's experts on the Middle East, affirmed this Sunday after returning from a trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, the organization reported.
She described the environment of preparation for the Pope's Holy Land visit, which began today. She reported: "Naturally, the Christians are delighted that the Holy Father is coming and there are many posters, for example, announcing the papal visit.
"In Nazareth they are even building a sort of amphitheatre, where the Pope will be celebrating Holy Mass with the people. In Bethlehem too they have already erected something -- in the refugee camp of Aida, which the Pope will also be visiting.
Siebrecht added that "the local people are continuing to work confidently and are looking forward to a successful trip."
She noted that not every Christian will have the opportunity to see the Pontiff, especially the people of Gaza and Bethlehem. Many people, she said, "will not get permission to attend the big Masses in Nazareth and Jerusalem."
The aid worker observed that during her visit, she saw and heard many people expressing hope "for a great deal from this papal visit, possibly even too much." She added, "For the Pope certainly won't be able to solve all their problems."
She continued: "In reality the Pope can only demonstrate goodwill and endeavor to talk to political and Church leaders. But I know from my own experience how difficult this is in Israel.
"In any case, he is coming above all as a pilgrim to the Holy Land. He wants to say to people, 'I am with you!'
"But what can he really hope to achieve with regard to the bigger picture? He will hardly be able to tear down this terrible wall through his visit, or even resolve the problems that exist between the Vatican and the state of Israel. But it is already an important sign that he is coming at all."
Living conditions
The specialist described certain areas that she visited: "I was in Galilee, where the situation of the Christians compared to that in the West Bank, in other words the area around Bethlehem, is much better of course. Nonetheless, these people too count as second-class citizens in Israel, that is, they don't have the same freedom that other Israelis have.
"They can't travel in the same way that other Israeli citizens can. Despite this, there are still around 73,000 Eastern-rite Catholics in Galilee -- not exactly a small number!
"And the communities are very lively. People here are committed to keeping their communities alive. That was something that struck me especially favorably."
Siebrecht noted that the region around Bethlehem in the West Bank has the "worst problems." She explained: "The people here are living as though in a prison, because of the wall. They can't go in, they can't get out.
"They feel like prisoners, and that is exactly what they are. The whole problem is especially hard for young Christian couples.
"For example, one young man had an [identification] card for Jerusalem and was able to work there. But his wife was not allowed to leave Bethlehem to go and live with him, while he for his part was not allowed to go to Bethlehem.
"The result of this situation, of course, is that everyone tries to get round it with false papers. These people are all living in the fear that they might one evening be unable to return home at all, or that their family members might be unable to return from work or from visiting people.
"It is really very difficult for the Christians in the region around Bethlehem -- it is a gigantic weight on the shoulders of these people.
"We Europeans, when we visit the Holy Land, we don't understand this and don't notice it either. We can travel everywhere, and the journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem is no more than a step for foreigners. But for the Palestinians -- and most of the Christians in the Holy Land are Palestinians -- it is an immense problem."
She underlined the hope that the Pope will address the problem of the conditions of life for Christians.
The aid worker appealed for prayers for the Holy Land Christians, especially during the papal visit. She noted that "prayer is the most important thing of all that we can contribute from afar."
She called for visitors to the Holy Land to not only visit the holy places, but also the "living stones."
"For the people here are overjoyed when they see that other Christians are close to them in their sorrows and their joys," she explained. "For despite all the obstacles, these are all very much living communities."
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Cardinal Talks to Colombia Rebels, Hopes for Peace
BOGOTA, Colombia, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos says he has talked with rebels in Colombia and thinks they are willing to seek solutions to the conflict in the South American country.Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos, president of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei and a Colombian, said he has spoken by telephone with members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He affirmed that he saw in them a "will to be open," RCN Radio reported.
"We have spoken as Colombians and as Christians," he said. "This week I have spoken by phone [with them]. Despite all the difficulties, despite being still in warlike activities, there is also a will to be open, the same [will] that I have found in the president (Álvaro Uribe)."
"The moment arrived for reason to be above weapons and for weapons to defend reason. ... I very much hope for peace in Colombia," the prelate continued, adding that he is trusting there will be a move toward "sincere, true dialogue about concrete things."
"There will always be actions that we don't understand, many actions that we deplore, even that from the perspective of Catholic morality, we reject," Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos said. "But these actions do not totally hide the panorama of hope and the horizon of peace."
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Neocatechumenal Way Founder Awarded Doctorate
John Paul II Institute Honors ArgüelloROME, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family is awarding an honorary doctorate to Kiko Argüello, one of the initiators of the Neocatechumenal Way.
The institute, situated at Rome's Lateran University with other locations around the world, announced that on May 13 it will invest as doctors "Honoris Causa" both the Spanish founder, Francisco (Kiko) Argüello, and an Italian sociology professor, Pierpaolo Donati.
A statement from the institute notes that the contributions of both men to the field of family studies are valued as "authoritative references for its own teaching and research work."
The institute underlined "the strong commitment of the Neocatechumenal Way on family issues" by its emphasis on "the experience of the 'domestic celebration' with which it sends families on a mission."
It also pointed out the value of the lay group's "promotion, together with other ecclesiastical organizations, of major initiatives in support of the family," especially the "Family Day in Italy and the 2007 Feast of the Holy Family in Madrid."
Donati, the other doctorate recipient, is a professor from the University of Bologna, and was named by the institute as "one of the top experts in the world of family sociology."
The institute stated that Donati has made a valuable contribution to building "a humanistic sociology that distances itself from all forms of scientific reductionism and cultural relativism," with a particular criticism of the functionalist and Marxist approaches.
It added, "From this [arises] the idea of relational sociology," Donati's "original and fruitful creation: from this perspective, the family is not a simple sum of individuals or an organic body, but a set of vital relations."
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Caritas Worker Killed in Sri Lanka "Safe" Zone
JAFFNA, Sri Lanka, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A Caritas worker was killed this week in the "safe zone" where Sri Lankan government forces have cornered the Tamil Tiger rebels."Raj" Anthonipillai Uthayaraj, 26, died as a result of the fighting in Mullivaikal, in the "No Fire" zone where civilians have taken refuge from the conflict, Caritas reported Wednesday.
The organization's secretary general, Lesley-Anne Knight, said, "This is a dreadful loss for Raj's family, friends and Caritas."
Although tens of thousands of people sought safety in this zone at the north of the island, the rebel forces were pushed back into the same region, and consequently the fighting pursued the civilians.
Knight stated, "It further emphasizes the need for people caught up in this conflict to reach safety and have the basic things they need."
An estimated 190,000 civilians have been able to escape the zone into government refugee camps.
Two weeks ago, the local Caritas director, Father T. R. Vasanthaseelan, was seriously injured in the zone.
The national director, Father Damien Fernando, asserted: "There must be an end to this war or more lives will be lost. Aid workers and civilians alike must receive genuine protection."
He added that Caritas will continue helping people and seeking a lasting solution for peace in the country.
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Papal Press Conference en Route to Jordan
"We Are Not a Political Power, But Rather a Spiritual Force"ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the unofficial transcript of the press conference Benedict XVI gave today aboard the papal plane en route to Amman, Jordan, on the first leg of his Holy Land trip.
* * *
Father Lombardi: Your Holiness, we thank you for granting us an encounter with you at the beginning of a trip that is so important and difficult. Among other things, you have given us as well the opportunity to wish you a good trip and to tell you that we will collaborate in disseminating the message that you wish to give. As is habitual, the questions we now ask are the result of a collection of questions posed by all the colleagues here present. I ask them for logistical reasons, but they are in reality the fruit of team work.
Your Holiness, this trip takes place at very delicate moment for the Middle East: There are strong tensions -- during the Gaza crisis it was speculated that you would not make this trip. At the same time, a few days after your trip, the political leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority will meet with [U.S.] President [Barack] Obama. Do you think that you could contribute to the peace process that now seems to be running aground?
Benedict XVI: Good morning! Before all else, I would like to thank you all for the work you have done, and I wish you all a good trip, a good pilgrimage, and a good return.
Regarding the question, certainly I intend to contribute to peace, but not as an individual, but in the name of the Catholic Church, of the Holy See. We are not a political power, but rather a spiritual force, and this spiritual force is a reality that can contribute to the progress of the peace process.
I see [a contribution to be made on] three levels: As believers, we are convinced that prayer is a true force. It opens the world to God: We are convinced that God listens and that he can act in history. I think that if millions of people -- believers -- would pray, it could really be a force that could influence and contribute to the advancement of peace.
Second point: We try to help in the formation of consciences. The conscience is the capacity of mankind to perceive the truth, but particular interests often block this capacity. And it is a big job to liberate from these interests, to open more to the truth, to the true values: It is a duty of the Church to help one to know the true criteria, the true values, and to liberate ourselves from particular interests.
And thus, the third point, let us draw reason in as well -- precisely this is it: precisely because we are not a political party, perhaps too we can more easily, with the light of faith, see the true criteria, help bring an understanding of what contributes to peace and speak to reason, to support the truly reasonable positions. And this we have already done, and we want to do so now and in the future.
Father Lombardi: Thank you, Your Holiness.
Second question: As a theologian, you have reflected in particular on the common roots that unite Christians and Jews. How is it possible that, despite the efforts of dialogue, misunderstandings often occur? How do you see the future of dialogue between the two communities?
Benedict XVI: The important thing is that in reality we have the same roots, the same Books of the Old Testament that are -- as much for the Jews as for us -- the Book of Revelation. But naturally, after 2,000 years of living a distinct history, even a separate one, the fact that misunderstandings arise shouldn't be a surprise. Traditions of interpretation, language, and thinking have been formed that are very distinct, we could say a "semantic cosmos" that is very distinct, in such a way that the same word for both traditions signifies different things. And with the use of these words that, in the course of history have taken on different meanings, obviously misunderstandings are born.
We should do everything to learn the language of the other, and it seems to me that we have made great progress. Today we have the possibility of the youth, of the future professors of theology, who can study in Jerusalem, in the Hebrew university, and the Jews have academic contact with us: In this way an encounter of the distinct "semantic cosmos" is made possible.
We learn mutually and we advance on the path of true dialogue, we learn from one another and I am sure and convinced that we are making progress. And this would also help peace, and what is more, reciprocal love.
Father Lombardi: Your Holiness, in this journey you have two essential dimensions of interreligious dialogue, with Islam and with Jews. Is there a common message that has to do with the three religions that make reference to Abraham?
Benedict XVI: Certainly there exists a common message, and there will be an occasion to present it and, despite the difference of origins, we have common roots, because, as I have said, Christianity is born of the Old Testament, and the writings of the New Testament wouldn't exist without the Old, because it refers permanently to Scripture, that is to say, to the Old Testament.
Islam was also born in an environment where Judaism and various branches of Christianity, Judeo-Christianity, Antiochian-Byzantine-Christianity were present, and all these circumstances are reflected in the tradition of the Quran. In this way we have much in common from our origins, in the faith in the one God. For that, it is important on one hand to maintain dialogue with the two parts -- with the Jews and with Islam -- and as well a trilateral dialogue.
I myself have cofounded a foundation for the dialogue between the three religions where figures such as Metropolitain Damaskinos and the chief rabbi of France, René-Samuel Sirat, etc. gathered. This foundation also published an edition of the books of the three religions: the Quran, the New Testament and the Old Testament. For this reason the trilateral dialogue should go forward, it is very important for peace, and as well for living one's own religion well.
Father Lombardi: A last question. Your Holiness, you have often mentioned the problem of the decline of the Christians in the Middle East, and also in particular in the Holy Land. It is a phenomenon with various reasons of a political, economic and social character. What can be done to help the Christians in the region? What contribution do you hope to give with your trip? Is there hope for these Christians in the future? Do you have a particular message as well for the Christians of Gaza that will come to see you in Bethlehem?
Benedict XVI: Certainly there is hope, because now is a moment, as you have said, that is difficult, but also a moment of hope, of a new start, of a new impulse in the path toward peace, and we want to encourage the Christians in the Holy Land, and in all of the Middle East, to stay, to give their contribution to the countries of their origins: They are important components of life in these regions.
Specifically the Church, beyond words of encouragement, has schools and hospitals. In this sense we have a very concrete presence. Our schools form a generation that will have the possibility to be present in public life. We are creating the Catholic University in Jordan, it seems to me this is a great place where the youth -- both Muslims and Christians -- meet, learn together, where a Christian elite is formed that is prepared specifically to work for peace.
But generally, our schools are very important opportunities to open up a future for Christians, and the hospitals show our presence. Furthermore, there are many Christian associations that help Christians in various ways, and with specific help they encourage them to stay. In this way I hope that Christians are able to find the value, the humility, the patience to stay in these countries, to offer their contribution to their nation's future.
Father Lombardi: Thank you, Your Holiness, with these answers you have helped to set the tone for our trip from a spiritual point of view, and from a cultural point of view. I repeat the wishes, also on behalf of all the colleagues here present, and on behalf of those flying now to the Holy Land to help with the media end of this trip, for the success of this difficult mission. Have a good trip and, good work as well to all our colleagues.
[Transcription by Vatican Radio, Translation by ZENIT]
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Papal Address Upon Arrival in Amman
"I Come to Jordan as a Pilgrim"AMMAN, Jordan, MAY 8, 2009(Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the address Benedict XVI gave today upon his arrival to the Queen Alia di Amman airport in Jordan. He was welcomed by the king and queen of Jordan, Abdullah II and Rania.
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Your Majesties,
Your Excellencies,
Dear Brother Bishops,
Dear Friends,
It is with joy that I greet all of you here present, as I begin my first visit to the Middle East since my election to the Apostolic See, and I am pleased to set foot upon the soil of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a land so rich in history, home to so many ancient civilizations, and deeply imbued with religious significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims. I thank His Majesty King Abdullah II for his kind words of welcome, and I offer my particular congratulations in this year that marks the tenth anniversary of his accession to the throne. In greeting His Majesty, I extend heartfelt good wishes to all members of the Royal Family and the Government, and to all the people of the Kingdom. I greet the Bishops here present, especially those with pastoral responsibilities in Jordan. I look forward to celebrating the liturgy at Saint George's Cathedral tomorrow evening and at the International Stadium on Sunday together with you, dear Bishops, and so many of the faithful entrusted to your care.
I come to Jordan as a pilgrim, to venerate holy places that have played such an important part in some of the key events of Biblical history. At Mount Nebo, Moses led his people to within sight of the land that would become their home, and here he died and was laid to rest. At Bethany beyond the Jordan, John the Baptist preached and bore witness to Jesus, whom he baptized in the waters of the river that gives this land its name. In the coming days I shall visit both these holy places, and I shall have the joy of blessing the foundation stones of churches that are to be built at the traditional site of the Lord's Baptism. The opportunity that Jordan's Catholic community enjoys to build public places of worship is a sign of this country's respect for religion, and on their behalf I want to say how much this openness is appreciated. Religious freedom is, of course, a fundamental human right, and it is my fervent hope and prayer that respect for the inalienable rights and dignity of every man and woman will come to be increasingly affirmed and defended, not only throughout the Middle East, but in every part of the world.
My visit to Jordan gives me a welcome opportunity to speak of my deep respect for the Muslim community, and to pay tribute to the leadership shown by His Majesty the King in promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam. Now that some years have passed since the publication of the Amman Message and the Amman Interfaith Message, we can say that these worthy initiatives have achieved much good in furthering an alliance of civilizations between the West and the Muslim world, confounding the predictions of those who consider violence and conflict inevitable. Indeed the Kingdom of Jordan has long been at the forefront of initiatives to promote peace in the Middle East and throughout the world, encouraging inter-religious dialogue, supporting efforts to find a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, welcoming refugees from neighboring Iraq, and seeking to curb extremism. I cannot let this opportunity pass without calling to mind the pioneering efforts for peace in the region made by the late King Hussein. How fitting that my meeting tomorrow with Muslim religious leaders, the diplomatic corps and University rectors should take place in the mosque that bears his name. May his commitment to the resolution of the region's conflicts continue to bear fruit in efforts to promote lasting peace and true justice for all who live in the Middle East.
Dear Friends, at the Seminar held in Rome last autumn by the Catholic-Muslim Forum, the participants examined the central role played in our respective religious traditions by the commandment of love. I hope very much that this visit, and indeed all the initiatives designed to foster good relations between Christians and Muslims, will help us to grow in love for the Almighty and Merciful God, and in fraternal love for one another. Thank you for your welcome. Thank you for your attention. May God grant Your Majesties happiness and long life! May he bless Jordan with prosperity and peace!
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Pope's Address at Regina Pacis Center
"Even Hearts Hardened by ... Unwillingness to Forgive Are Never Beyond the Reach of God"AMMAN, Jordan, MAY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the discourse Benedict XVI gave today at the Regina Pacis center in Jordan.
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Your Beatitudes,
Your Excellencies,
Dear Friends,
I am very happy to be here with you this afternoon, and to greet each of you and your family members, wherever they may be. I thank His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal for his kind words of welcome and in a special way I wish to acknowledge the presence among us of Bishop Selim Sayegh, whose vision and labours for this Centre, together with those of His Beatitude Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah, are today honored through the blessing of the new extensions which has just taken place. I also wish to greet with great affection the Central Committee members, the Comboni Sisters and the dedicated lay staff, including those who work in the Centre's many community branches and units. Your reputation for outstanding professional competence, compassionate care and resolute promotion of the rightful place in society of those with special needs is well known here and throughout the Kingdom. To the young people present, I thank you for your moving welcome. It is a great joy for me to be with you.
As you know, my visit to the Our Lady of Peace Centre here in Amman is the first stop along my journey of pilgrimage. Like countless pilgrims before me it is now my turn to satisfy that profound wish to touch, to draw solace from and to venerate the places where Jesus lived, the places which were made holy by his presence. Since apostolic times, Jerusalem has been the primary place of pilgrimage for Christians, but earlier still, in the ancient Near East, Semitic peoples built sacred shrines in order to mark and commemorate a divine presence or action. And ordinary people would travel to these centres carrying a portion of the fruits of their land and livestock to offer in homage and thanksgiving.
Dear friends, every one of us is a pilgrim. We are all drawn forward, with purpose, along God's path. Naturally, then, we tend to look back on life - sometimes with regrets or hurts, often with thanksgiving and appreciation - and we also look ahead - sometimes with trepidation or anxiety, but always with expectation and hope, knowing too that there are others who encourage us along the way. I know that the journeys that have led many of you to the "Regina Pacis" Centre have been marked by suffering or trial. Some of you struggle courageously with disabilities, others of you have endured rejection, and some of you are drawn to this place of peace simply for encouragement and support. Of particular importance, I know, is the Centre's great success in promoting the rightful place of the disabled in society and in ensuring that suitable training and opportunities are provided to facilitate such integration. For this foresight and determination you all deserve great praise and encouragement!
At times it is difficult to find a reason for what appears only as an obstacle to be overcome or even as pain - physical or emotional - to be endured. Yet faith and understanding help us to see a horizon beyond our own selves in order to imagine life as God does. God's unconditional love, which gives life to every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life. His is a saving love (cf. Jn 12:32). As Christians profess, it is through the Cross that Jesus in fact draws us into eternal life, and in so doing indicates to us the way ahead - the way of hope which guides every step we take along the way, so that we too become bearers of that hope and charity for others.
Friends, unlike the pilgrims of old, I do not come bearing gifts or offerings. I come simply with an intention, a hope: to pray for the precious gift of unity and peace, most specifically for the Middle East. Peace for individuals, for parents and children, for communities, peace for Jerusalem, for the Holy Land, for the region, peace for the entire human family; the lasting peace born of justice, integrity and compassion, the peace that arises from humility, forgiveness and the profound desire to live in harmony as one.
Prayer is hope in action. And in fact true reason is contained in prayer: we come into loving contact with the one God, the universal Creator, and in so doing we come to realize the futility of human divisions and prejudices and we sense the wondrous possibilities that open up before us when our hearts are converted to God's truth, to his design for each of us and our world.
Dear young friends, to you in particular I wish to say that standing in your midst I draw strength from God. Your experience of trials, your witness to compassion, and your determination to overcome the obstacles you encounter, encourage me in the belief that suffering can bring about change for the good. In our own trials, and standing alongside others in their struggles, we glimpse the essence of our humanity, we become, as it were, more human. And we come to learn that, on another plane, even hearts hardened by cynicism or injustice or unwillingness to forgive are never beyond the reach of God, can always be opened to a new way of being, a vision of peace.
I exhort you all to pray every day for our world. And today I want to ask you to take up a specific task: please pray for me every day of my pilgrimage; for my own spiritual renewal in the Lord, and for the conversion of hearts to God's way of forgiveness and solidarity so that my hope - our hope - for unity and peace in the world will bear abundant fruit.
May God bless each of you and your families, and the teachers, caregivers, administrators and benefactors of this Centre and may Our Lady, Queen of Peace, protect you and guide you along the pilgrim way of her Son, the Good Shepherd.
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