Pope Benedict XVI addresses the Brazilian Bishops during Ad Limina Visit

(October 28, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI said that their duty as Bishops along with the clergy is to mediate, and to contribute to the purification of reason and moral awakening of the forces necessary to build a just and fraternal society. However, when the fundamental rights of the person or the salvation of souls are in danger, they as pastors have the duty to issue severe moral judgments, even on political matters. He was speaking to the Brazilian Bishops of the North Eastern Region at Rome on Thursday, on the occasion of their Ad Limina visit. The visit ad Limina means the obligation incumbent Bishop of a Diocese of visiting, at stated times, the thresholds of the Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul, and of presenting themselves before the pope to give an account of the state of their dioceses. As they are called upon to safeguard the dignity of the human person in the context such as abortion or euthanasia, they must not fear hostility or unpopularity and refuse to accept any compromise, said the Pontiff. In addition, in order to better help the laity to live their Christian commitment in their socio-political structure it is necessary to have a social catechesis and adequate training for them in the Church's social doctrine, he said. Pointing to the presence of religious symbols in public life particularly in the case of Brazil, where the Catholic religion is an integral part of its history, the Pope spoke of the image of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms over the Bay of Guanabara representing the hospitality and love with which Brazil has always been able to open its arms to men and women, those persecuted and needy. It is this presence of Jesus in their life integrates them into society, contributing to the enrichment of culture, economic growth and a spirit of solidarity and freedom.