Pope welcomes new ambassador of the Dominican Republic

(April 3, 2009) Pope Benedict on Friday welcomed the new ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Holy See, Grimaldi Victor Manuel Cespedes, and urged his country to be faithful to its centuries-old Christian roots by defending human dignity and life and by fighting the evils that deny people a dignified life. The Church, the Pope said, does not engage in politics but cooperates with the state in promoting human dignity and the common good. He called on the nation to defend and spread basic human values such as the recognition and protection of human dignity, respect for human life from the moment of conception until natural death and safeguarding the institution of the family based on marriage between a man and a woman. The Holy Father observed that the Dominican Republic has a long way to go to ensure a decent life for the people and eradicate the scourges of poverty, drug trafficking, violence and marginalization. While strengthening the cultivation of honesty and transparency, legal independence, care and respect for the environment and enhancement of social services, welfare, health and education of the whole population, the Pope said, the nation also needs a strong determination to eradicate corruption, which involves so much suffering, especially for the poor and defenceless members of society.