Pope meets Czech bishops

February 14, 2014 - In the face of challenges and new pastoral needs in the Czech Republic, Pope Francis urged the nation’s bishops to build a synergy among the clergy, religious and the laity so that the Good News cam reach every situation, including those hostile and far from the Church, the peripheries, the various categories of persons, especially the weak and the poor. The Pope was addressing the Czech bishops during their so-called ‘ad limina’ visit to Rome, a 5-yearly regulation meeting with the Pope and various Vatican offices to report on the state of their dioceses. In his talk to the bishops the Pope urged for increased pastoral initiatives for a solid preparation for the Sacraments and active participation in the liturgy. Noting that in the past the Czech Church had been under oppressive Communist regimes that went against human dignity and freedom, the Holy Father said today the same Church is faced with insidious threats such as secularism and relativism. Hence the need to tirelessly announce the Gospel values along with constructive dialogue with all, including those far from every religious sentiment. The Holy Father asked the bishops to be close to those going through hard times, especially families, the elderly, the sick and the many living in spiritual and moral fragility, especially the young. The Pope also called the bishops to a profound prayer life, to promote vocations and especially urging for the pastoral care of the family in order to renew the fabric of the society and the Church.