(Vatican Radio) Pope Benedict XVI received a group of French bishops on Saturday,
who are here in Rome for their ad limina visits. In his remarks to the prelates, the
Holy Father focused on the opportunities presented by the Year of Faith to help the
Church in France on the path of real spiritual renewal, and contribute to a recovery
of the perennial foundations of ordered liberty in society.
“Your nation has
a long and rich Christian history that cannot be ignored or diminished,” said Pope
Benedict.
“In the important debates in society,” said the Holy Father, “the
voice of the Church must make itself heard tirelessly and with determination,” even
as She continues to be respectful of the country’s tradition of distinguishing the
spheres of competence of the Church and those of the State.
The Holy Father
also spoke of the pressing need to encourage careful and reverent liturgical practice,
as a key to faith formation and effective evangelization. Listen to our report: