Bishops must sacrifice for their people, says Pope Benedict XVI

(02 June 2006) : “Diocesan bishops must care for their people with a ministry of watchful love that calls for total dedication, complete commitment of energy and if necessary, the sacrifice of life," told Pope Benedict XVI to the 11th ordinary council of the Synod of Bishops. The Pope spoke on Thursday June 1 to a group of bishops meeting in Rome to organize the proposals approved by the Synod on the Eucharist last October. The group's discussions were chaired by Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, the secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops. The bishop, Pope Benedict remarked, represents the image of Christ, who nourishes us with his Flesh and Blood. As head of the diocese, the bishop has a duty to "dispense the food of truth" to his people. The truth of love cannot be silenced, the Holy Father said, and each bishop should proclaim it without fear or shyness. The Pope concluded his brief remarks by reminding bishops, "in a time such as our own, characterized by the growing phenomenon of globalization, it becomes ever more necessary to bring the truth of Christ and His Gospel of salvation to everyone vigorously and clearly. There are innumerable areas in which to proclaim and lovingly bear witness to the truth: so many people are hungry and cannot be left to languish without sustenance," the Pope concluded.