Pope Benedict XVI speaks to the New Ambassador of Australia

(February 12, 2009) Welcoming Timothy Andrew Fischer, the first residential Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI said that it “marks a welcome new stage in our diplomatic relations and provides an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and to extend our already significant collaboration.” He expressed his condolences to the grieving individuals and families in Victoria who have lost loved ones in the recent bush fires. The Holy Father then recalled the warm memories of World Youth Day at Sydney and said it has been a spiritual event: a time when young people, not all of whom have a close association with the Church, encounter God in an intense experience of prayer, learning, and listening, thus coming to experience faith in action. The Pope said that he would pray that this young generation of Christians in Australia and throughout the world will channel their enthusiasm for all that is true and good. Praising the cultural diversity of Australia the place of indigenous people, the Pope said, “Through the apology offered last year by Prime Minister Rudd, a profound change of heart has been affirmed. Now, renewed in the spirit of reconciliation, both government agencies and aboriginal elders can address with resolution and compassion the plethora of challenges that lie ahead,” he said. This indicates “Government’s desire to promote respect and understanding among cultures is its laudable effort to facilitate inter-religious dialogue and cooperation both at home and in the region,” he added. Pope Benedict then appreciated the nation’s active support of the Millennium Development Goals, numerous regional partnerships, initiatives to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and keen concern for just economic development and their support to the Church in the long tradition within the healthcare sector where she brings to the fore an ethical approach to every individual’s particular needs in Australia and in other mission countries.