Pope Benedict XVI Meets Ambassadors of Various Countries

(June 09, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI made an appeal to respect the legitimate rights and aspirations of individuals and the community in Syria, as the country is currently going through its civil and political upheavals. The Pontiff said this on Thursday to Mr Edin Hussam AALA Syria's new ambassador to the Holy See, on the occasion of the presentation of credentials. ''The events occurred during the last few months in several countries from the Mediterranean, the Pope said, among such as Syria, are the manifestation of the desire for a better future in the fields of economy, justice, freedom and participation in public life. The Pontiff expressed his happiness over the positive role of Christians particularly in social and educational fields. He encouraged them to develop bonds of brotherhood with all. To advance peace in the region, said the Pope, a solution must be found. Pope Benedict XVI also met the New Ambassadors of Moldova, Equatorial Guinea, Belize, Ghana, and New Zealand as they presented their letters of Credentials to the Holy See. The Pontiff said that a human person to whom God has entrusted the stewardship of nature can not be dominated by technology and become its subject. Such awareness should lead states to reflect together on the short-term future of the planet, their responsibilities with respect to technology and life. He added that it is the duty of each government to commit itself to protect nature and help it fulfil its essential role in the survival of humanity. At the same time it should also examine the proper role of technology. He warned them that the technique that dominates man deprives him of his humanity. Stressing the need to combine technology with the ethical dimension, the Pope reminded them that man, who discovers his capacity to transform and in a certain sense create the world through his own work, must not forget that this is always based on God's prior and original gift to man. Life in society should be seen primarily as something spiritual, and the political leaders have the task of guiding people towards human harmony and wisdom that culminates in religious freedom, which is the true face of peace, said the Pope.