Discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to the Bishops of Iran at the Ad Limina visit

(January 16, 2009) You represent the richness of unity in diversity that exists within the Catholic Church and you witness this daily in the Islamic Republic of Iran. I take this opportunity to express to all the Iranian people my cordial salutation which you'll communicate to your communities, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was speaking to the Bishops of Iran during their Ad Limina visit, on Friday, January 16^th at Rome. An ad limina visit means the obligation of residential diocesan bishops and certain prelates with territorial jurisdiction, of visiting the relics at the tomb of the Apostles, and of meeting the Pope to report on the state of their dioceses or prelatures. The Pope then expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the service in a land of ancient Christian presence and where it has developed and maintained during the various vagaries of Iranian history. He said: “My gratitude goes to the priests and religious working in this vast and beautiful country. I know how much their presence is necessary and how the human and spiritual assistance they provide to the faithful, through their direct, presence bears a beautiful testimony.” He also welcomed everyone involved in the work of the Church, particularly through Caritas, in the work of reconstruction after the devastating earthquake that struck the region of Bam. He thanked them for their constancy and perseverance and encouraged them to remain faithful to the faith of their fathers and remain attached to their land to work together and to develop the nation. Speaking on the lack of vocations, the Holy Father said: “Your communities reduced in numbers do not allow the emergence of many local vocations. In addition, the difficult mission of priests and monks are forced to move to join the various Christian communities scattered throughout the country.” Pope Benedict concluded the discourse saying: “Your churches are heirs to a noble tradition and a long Christian presence in Iran. They have contributed, each in their own way, to life and nation building. In my prayer, I do not forget your country and the Catholic communities of Iran.”