Pope Benedict Receives the Ambassador of Philippines

(October 27, 2008) The Filipino people are renowned for their warm generosity and the high value they place on friendship and family life. The Catholic faithful in your country-through their hunger for prayer, their lively devotion, and their eagerness to serve others-demonstrate a firm trust in God’s loving providence, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was speaking to Madam Ambassador from the Republic of the Philippines on Monday, 27^th at the presentation ceremony. The Pope expressed his gratitude for the unique contribution the country has made and continue to make to the life of the local and universal Church, and encouraged all men and women of the nation to devote themselves to forging bonds of peace and social harmony. The Pope said that the Catholic Church is eager to share the richness of the Gospel’s social message, for it enlivens hearts with a hope for the fulfilment of justice and a love that makes all men and women truly brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. She carries out this mission fully aware of the respective autonomy and competence of Church and State. He added that the Church is equally convinced that State and religion are called to support each other as they together serve the personal and social well-being of all and carry out their public duties with undaunted concern for the common good. Speaking on the topic of Migration, the Pope said that he appreciated the concern the Ambassador had expressed on behalf of the Government for the well-being of Filipino migrant workers. Indeed, the Meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development hosted in Manila clearly attests to the Philippines’ solicitude for all who leave their homeland in search of employment in a foreign land. The Pope made an observation that the leaders of her nation have passed legislation for comprehensive land reform with the aim of improving the living conditions of the poor, by instilling a sense of common responsibility and stimulating individual initiative. He expressed his confidence that the Republic of the Philippines will continue to offer this holistic vision of the human person in world forums, and hoped that the peace of God reign in the hearts and homes of all people.