Pontiff’s message to Santo Domingo Book Fair

(May 06, 2011) With a spiritual reflection on the eternal Word expressed in human words, Pope Benedict XVI has sent a video message to the leading book fair of the Caribbean region held annually in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. This year’s XIV International Book Fair of Santo Domingo is marking the 500th anniversary of the Diocese of Santo Domingo, the first diocese to be erected on the American continent, and the Vatican has been invited as the guest of honour. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, is the Pope's delegate to the leading cultural event May 4-22. In his message the Pope said that God decided that the one and eternal Word should be expressed, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in human words that could be written in the form of a book so that, through the sacred Scriptures, the Good News of salvation would reach all. This year’s International Book Fair of Santo Domingo is being dedicated to Msgr. Francis J. Arnaiz and Father José Luis Sáez, two leading Jesuit figures who have made significant contribution to the cultural and social life of the Dominican society. In his message, Pope Benedict said that the event will give people the opportunity to "appreciate a significant exhibition of the literary production of the Catholic Church and her great contribution to the Dominican culture and people." The Vatican delegation donated a considerable number of books by Catholic authors, which will subsequently be given to schools and public libraries in Santo Domingo.