Discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to the Ambassador to the Holy See from the Republic
of the Sudan, Mr. Sulieman Mohamed Mustafa
Discourse to the Ambassador from Sudan, Mr. Sulieman Mohamed Mustafa
Your
Excellency,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Vatican today and to receive
the Letters accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Republic of the Sudan to the Holy See. I am grateful for the greetings you have expressed
on behalf of His Excellency Omar al-Bashir, President of the Republic, and I ask you
kindly to convey my good wishes to all your beloved fellow citizens.
The
Holy See willingly establishes diplomatic relations with different countries
as a vehicle for fostering dialogue and cooperation worldwide. This dialogue
can assist greatly in overcoming tensions, misrepresentations and misunderstandings,
especially when these endanger the cause of peace and development. In
the case of Sudan, the Holy See was profoundly gratified at the signing of the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement four years ago which ended a tragic period of immense suffering, loss
of life and destruction. The expectations generated by this agreement, contracted
by important parties within the country and with the support of the international
community, must be kept alive. The positive results, based on a genuine search for
just solutions to tensions and on multi-party cooperation, should inspire further
improvements in the process of implementation. Likewise in this delicate period,
the good work being undertaken by international peacekeepers in sensitive areas and
by humanitarian agencies deserves the support and due assistance of all national and
regional authorities.
Mr Ambassador, the country you represent has the resources
and the population to become an important actor on the African Continent.
It will prosper when the nation’s citizens live in a land where harmony and goodwill
prevail, on the basis of the just resolution of existing conflicts acceptable to all
parties. Violence “puts the brake on authentic development and impedes the evolution
of people towards greater socio-economic and spiritual well-being” (Caritas in Veritate,
29); peace and development, two essential elements for the well-being of any nation,
cannot exist without the safeguarding of human rights for all citizens without exception.
In this context, it must be noted that the people of Darfur continue to
suffer greatly. Negotiated agreements between armed groups have been slow and faltering
and are in urgent need of support from all sides. Respect for civilian populations
and their basic human rights, and responsibilities in relation to national and regional
stability clearly require renewed attempts to seek lasting agreements. It is my heartfelt
hope that all parties may pursue every opportunity for settlement through dialogue
and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. This is the only way that will lead to
stability - underpinned by truth, justice and reconciliation - for the Darfur region
and for the rest of the country.
Mr Ambassador, the Catholic Church in
your country is committed to the spiritual and human well-being of her members and
indeed of all the citizens of the nation, especially through education, healthcare
and development projects and by fostering a spirit of tolerance, peace and respect
for others through dialogue and cooperation. Catholics seek only that freedom, recognition
and respect proper to the Church’s identity and mission. Sudan, like many countries
is faced with the challenge of seeking a true and just balance between conserving
cultural values that mark the identity of the majority of the population while respecting
the rights and freedom of minorities. Public authorities need to ensure that the
fundamental human right of religious freedom be truly enjoyed by people of all faiths.
Likewise, families of a religious minority living where schools have educational programmes
suitable for the religious majority, rightly look for the recognition of their parental
rights to determine the education of their children without hindrance from the law.
Both Muslim and Christian parents share the same affection and concern for their
children and their welfare, especially regarding their religious upbringing.
Your
Excellency, I invite you to avail yourself of the willing cooperation of the Departments
of the Roman Curia as I wish you every success in your mission to further the cordial
relations existing between the Sudan and the Holy See. May the Almighty bestow his
blessings upon Your Excellency, your family and the nation you represent.