Pope Urges Moderation in Kosovo Crises

(21 Feb 08 - RV ) Pope Benedict XVI has called on all interested parties in the current crises in Kosovo to act with prudence and moderation, and to seek solutions that favour mutual respect and reconciliation.

The Holy Fathers comments were held in a discourse to the new Serbian Ambassador to the Holy See, Vladeta Janković, who presented his letter of credence Thursday to the Holy Father.

Pope Benedict XVI told the Ambassador that he knows “how deeply the Serb people have suffered in the course of recent conflicts”. The Pope expressed his “heartfelt concern for them and for the other Balkan nations affected by the sad events of the last decade”. Adding that “all can learn from the lessons of the recent past”, he said “The Holy See shares the earnest desire that the peace which has been achieved will bring lasting stability to the region”. In particular, with regard to the current crisis in Kosovo, the Pope called upon “all interested parties to act with prudence and moderation, and to seek solutions that favour mutual respect and reconciliation”.

The Pope then turned to the issues of religious freedom and Christian unity.

He said that “the tragic loss of Christian unity over the past thousand years is not least among the various divisions between the peoples of Europe”. “In working towards a more secure future, it is vital to remember that the identity and the rich cultural tradition of Serbia, as of all European nations, is deeply rooted in the heritage of Christian faith and the Gospel of love”. The Holy father expressed his gratitude for the “many hopeful developments” in the areas of dialogue between the Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Church.

“Serbia’s geographical location on the border between Eastern and Western Christianity” continued the Pope “gives her a unique opportunity to promote ecumenical dialogue, while her familiarity with Islam, both through her encounter with the Ottoman Empire and through the presence of many Muslims in the region today, opens up rich possibilities for progress in inter-religious dialogue”.

Pope Benedict underlined that “both of these processes are of the utmost importance in establishing greater mutual understanding and respect between peoples and nations in the modern world …and harmony within and between nations.”.

“Freedom of religion” noted the Pope “ is an indispensable element in building the kind of society in which such harmony can develop, and the steps taken by Serbia in recent years to guarantee this fundamental human right are greatly appreciated”. Steps such as the plan to restore nationalised property to Churches and religious communities and the introduction of religious teaching in schools”

Concluding the Holy Father noted “without the nourishment that comes from living faith, culture is deeply impoverished and prospects for a truly humane civilization rapidly recede”.