Pope Praises Seychelles Government for Steps to Erradicate National Debt

(19 Dec 08 - RV)On Friday Pope Benedict received the credentials from the new Ambassador from the Republic of the Seychelles to the Holy See.

The Republic of Seychelles, is an archipelago nation of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, east of mainland Africa. Renowned for its astounding natural beauty and vast swathes of coral reefs, since independence in 1976, per capita output has expanded to roughly seven times the old near-subsistence level, fuelled by expanding tourism.

The current government has sought to reduce public debt by promoting not only greater investment in tourism, but also small farmers and the fishing industry, steps that were praised by Pope Benedict in his letter to the new ambassador Graziano Tribaldi.

But the Pope also asked that the government also commit itself to resolving social injustices, underlining that even in current times of difficulty, helping a nation’s economy also means protecting the poorest and most vulnerable. In short solidarity.

As the islands of the Seychelles had no indigenous population, the current Seychellois are composed of people who have immigrated to the island. The largest ethnic groups are those of French, African, Indian, and Chinese descent.

As of 1992, some ninety percent of the population was Roman Catholic and approximately seven percent Anglican. Other religions have been introduced with Islam being one of the fastest growing.

Noting that youth education is fundamental to every society Pope Benedict congratulated the government for its efforts to eradicate illiteracy, noting that investment in today’s generation will secure the nation’s future.