Pope Benedict XVI Address to the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology

(December 20, 2008) The traditional fields of archaeology, are of major importance among the ordinary scientific courses and the specialization through which the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology aims to make known the many Christian monuments of Rome, with their extensive references rich history of the Christian community, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was speaking to the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology in Rome on the 20^th of December. The Holy Father expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation for the valuable and fruitful cultural, literary and academic atmosphere shown by the institute in the service of the Church and of the wider culture. The Pope then said that the Predominant purpose of the institute is studying the remains of church life throughout the centuries. “You offer the opportunity for those who choose this discipline, advancing in a complex reality, the situation of the Church in the early centuries, and make the people today understand their past. Understanding" is identified in the fields of archaeology typical Christian iconography, architecture, epigraphy and topography.” Speaking on the vision of the church the Pope said that “in fact, as you well know, can not be a complete vision of reality of a Christian community, old or new that it is, if you do not take into account that the Church is composed of a human element and a divine element.” Every man, every society needs a culture open to the anthropological dimension, moral and spiritual life, he added. The Holy Father called on them to continue to promote the care and the deepening of the vast archaeological heritage of Rome and of the various regions of the ancient world, aware of the mission to serve God and the Church.