Pope encourages vocations; peace in Libya, Syria

(May 16, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday urged every ecclesial community to promote and safeguard priestly and consecrated vocations, expressing concern that the Lord's voice risked being submerged by many other voices. On the day the Catholic Church marks World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Pope made the appeal before praying his weekly midday ‘Regina Caeli’ with a large crowd in St. Peter's Square. Commenting on Christ the Good Shepherd in Sunday’s Gospel, the Pope said that the flock's attitude toward the Good Shepherd is presented in listening and in following. It starts with listening to His word from which faith is born and nourished. Only those who are attentive to the Lord’s voice are able to determine by their own conscience the right choices to act according to God. “A vocation is followed,” he said, “when we leave behind 'our will that is closed in itself and our idea of self-actualization, to immerse ourselves in another will, God’s, letting ourselves be guided by it.” The Pontiff invited prayers for bishops, including himself, parish priests and all those who have a responsibility in leading the flock of Christ, that they might be faithful and wise in carrying out their office.
At Sunday’s “Regina Coeli” prayers, Pope Benedict also called for peace and solutions to the conflicts in Libya and Syria. Noting that the conflict in Libya “has caused a great number of victims and suffering above all among the civilian population,” he again appealed that the path of negotiation and dialogue prevail over that of violence, with the help of international organizations that are seeking a solution to the crisis. The Holy Father also assured his prayers and support for Christian efforts to help the population, "in particular through consecrated persons present in the hospitals." In Syria, meanwhile, the Pope said, "it is urgent that a coexistence marked by concord and unity be restored." Human rights groups say more than 800 people have been killed since unrest and protests began in mid-March. "I ask God that there be no more bloodshed in that homeland of great religions and civilization," the Pope said, inviting “authorities and all citizens to stop at nothing in seeking the common good and in accepting the legitimate aspirations for a future of peace and stability."