Arab Christians Makers of Peace, says Pope

(18 Jan 08 - RV) Pope Benedict received Bishops from the Arab World in private audience today at the Vatican at the end of their Ad Limina visit. Susie Hodges has this report...

Speaking in French to the delegation, Pastors to the minority Christian communities in the predominantly Muslim nations of North Africa Persia and the Middle East, Pope Benedict stressed the importance he gives to the testimony of their local churches. He commended them for their service despite the violence and insecurity they face in their homelands, and said that God will never abandon all those who turn to Him because He alone represents the true hope with which we can all confront the hardships of daily life.

The Pope then asked them to remain close to those in their ministries, « It is understandable » he said, « that circumstances sometimes push Christians to leave their country to find a better life. Nevertheless, it is necessary to encourage and support those that make that choice to remain in their home land, so that the church there is not reduced to an archaeological site devoid of ecclesial life. The vocation of Christians in the Arab region, is of utmost importance. They are makers of peace and justice, they are a living presence of Christ who came to reconcile the world to God ».

The Pope expressed his support and that of the Church for any initiatives they undertake to contribute to the creation of social and economic conditions which help Christians remain in their country. He also encouraged collaboration between Catholics from the various rites which exist in the region, recalling Christ’s prayer in the Cenacle that ‘All are one’. He also underlined the importance of inter-religious dialogue, between the other ancient religions present in the Arab world, particularly with Muslims and Jews. “This is a daily reality for you” Concluded the Pope’s address to the Bishops “A better shared knowledge is necessary in order to favour greater respect for Human dignity, equal rights and responsibilities and renewed consideration on the needs of each individual, especially the poor”.