2012-01-23 17:06:24

Taiwan ambassador: impressions of Pope's address


The Ambassador to the Holy See from Taiwan, Lawrence Yu-Yuan Wang spoke with Chris Altieri, who asked him about his impressions of the Holy Father’s “State of the World” address to the Corps of Diplomats accredited to the Holy See.

Amb. Wang: The Message of the Holy Father to the Diplomatic Corps is consistent with what already he said on the occasion of the 45th World Peace Day [in his] Message, “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace”. The Pope dedicates a consistent part of his message to young people, whose future aspirations have been frustrated by the financial and economic crisis. According to Pope Benedict XVI, young people are key to securing a future of hope, despite a present gloom. The topics dealt with by the Pope are somewhat similar to those included the New Year address of Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou, “Lighting Candles for the Next Generation”. Both leaders see education as an important source.

CRA: This “time of uncertainty” as a result of the economic and financial crisis was a focal point of the Holy Father’s address. How do you receive the Holy Father’s call for moral renewal in response to the crisis?

Amb. Wang: His Holiness was very clear that we should not despair in this moment of crisis, but that we need to look forward with new commitment, new dialogue, new creativity for ourselves and for the younger generations. We believe in reinforcing our commitment to assist less fortunate nations or people in need.

CRA: Religious liberty and the role of religion in shaping public discourse were also major concerns of the Holy Father. How does your country understand the role of religion in public life – and is this question one that, as in many places at this time, is being re-examined in the broader public discourse?

Amb. Wang: In spite of Taiwan’s industrialization and technological progress, religions have become a visible part of its modern landscape. Technological progress has not lead to the demise of religion. On the contrary, it has intensified religion and helped it reach a larger audience. Religious activity is intense and interreligious dialogue is thriving. Just one example: a “World Religions Museum” aimed at forming a meeting place for people of all faiths and those in search of one in order to work together for the construction of peace in the world was inaugurated in Taipei in 2000, 12 years ago. It is a place where all can easily learn to respect each other and to share their religious experience under the universal principles of freedom, tolerance, democracy and respect for human dignity that His Holiness is mentioning in his address to the Diplomatic Corps. Listen RealAudioMP3







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