Pope Benedict urges Uruguayan bishops to preach integrity of the Word and Church doctrine

(September 26, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday urged the Church of Uruguay to promote the integrity of scripture and Church doctrine among the faithful at a time when many voices are trying to silence God in personal and social life. Meeting the bishops from Uruguay on their so-called ‘ad limina’ visit, which bishops make every 5 years to report on the state of their dioceses, the Holy Father encouraged them in their effort to promote the knowledge and meditation of Scripture, saying that the Word of God needs to be preached faithfully, in order that the Christian vocation be lived in a more conscious, firm and secure manner. He told the bishops that the Word of God is the source and content of their inexcusable ministry…, which is all the more necessary at a time when many voices were trying to silence God in personal and social life. He exhorted them to teach the faith of the Church in its integrity, with courage and persuasion, explicitly proclaiming the moral values of Catholic doctrine, which sometimes are the subject of debate in the political arena or cultural or social media, especially those related to the family, sexuality and life. The Pope also commended the Uruguayan bishops’ efforts in defending human life from conception until natural death, praying that each Uruguayan may have a clear conscience regarding the inviolable dignity of every person and a firm commitment to respect and safeguard it without reserve.