Pope addresses news bishops from mission lands

(September 07, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday decried cultural discrimination, religious intolerance and bias against Christians in many countries of the world saying they are a result of a fundamentalism based on a misled mentality that leads to underestimate the right to freedom of religion if not its outright denial. The Holy Father was addressing some 100 recently-appointed bishops from mission territories in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania, who were attending a refresher course organized by the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education. Pope Benedict acknowledged that the young bishops were carrying out their duties under in difficult unstable social contexts that directly affect the people’s lives. Crises in food, health and education test and involve the ecclesial communities, for which they are appreciated. Added to natural disasters are cultural and religious discrimination, intolerance and bias, the result of a fundamentalism that reveals an incorrect mentality that leads to underestimate, if not ignoring the right to religious freedom, respect for the weak, especially children, women and the disabled. Besides, clashes between ethnic groups and castes cause unjustifiable violence. In the face of all these the Holy Father urged the bishops to trust in the Gospel and its renewing power, to awaken the conscience within and help build a new brotherhood. Sowing the Word of God helps reconciliation bloom and promotes unity among the people. The Pope urged the pastors to watch over their sheep, particularly their priests, and to live the service of the Word of God for the good of their flock. He reminded the bishops that the Eucharist is the centre and life of a priest. “Never fail in your main responsibility of being men of God, called to prayer and the service of the Word of God for the good of His sheep,” the Pope added.