Pope Benedict Meets with New Bishops

(20 Sep 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI spoke today to participants in the course for newly appointed bishops organised by the Congregation for the Evangelization of the People.

We have this report...

Pope Benedict XVI began with a reminder that we are currently in the Pauline Year, during which the Church explores the missionary spirit and charismatic personality of Saint Paul, widely recognised as the great Apostle of the people.

The Holy Father observed how this notion of a master of the people has a forward-thrust into the future, projecting the Apostle onto all peoples and all generations.

The Pope said Saint Paul is therefore not just a figure of the past to be venerated but also our master. He added that from him we must learn how to look for the light and the grace of Christ to announce the Good News today, and from him we must learn to travel tirelessly through the modern world, bringing the word of Christ to those who have already opened their hearts to him, as well as those who do not yet know him.

Pope Benedict compared the life of his Pastors to that of the Apostle Paul, in that their work is vast and complex. Geographically, their Dioceses are spread far and wide, and often isolated. Furthermore, they increasingly have to face forces of de-Christianisation, religious indifference, secularism and relativism of values.


Moreover, there are times when Pastors have to defend their flock in the face of persecution and violence.

In response, the Pope exhorts his bishops to not be afraid or discouraged by these obstacles, that can at times seem great. Rather they should be inspired by Saint Paul, who had to suffer greatly for these same reasons.