Pope Urges Missionary Zeal in Guatemala

(06 Mar 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI received the Bishops of Guatemala Thursday who are in Rome on their five yearly Ad Limina visit.

The plight of poverty and violence, the importance of missionary commitment and precious collaboration of priests were the themes at the heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s address to the group of bishops from the central American nation Thursday.

The Pope expressed his concern for “the increase in poverty and violence which effects a great part of the population, resulting in massive numbers emigrating to other nations”, with grave consequences in the spheres of personal and family life.

Another challenge posed by the Pope is the spreading of sects across the territory.

“God”, he said “has blessed the Guatemalan people with a deeply religious sentiment, rich in popular expression which has matured into a solid Christian community”. “A sound faith and participation in the sacraments can only strengthen the Faithfull’s resistance to the risk of sects and charismatic groups which aim to disorientate and undermine the ecclesial community”.

Pope Benedict XVI noted that Guatemalan tradition and culture emphasises family values. The “family” he pointed out “is the nuclease of society, the foundation of existence and faith transmission”. “But” he added “today it is facing increasing pastoral and human challenges”.

The Pope said that in this light the “priceless” collaboration of priests is needed, because they “are true men of prayer” and as such must be encouraged to accompany the faithful closely on their journey”. To this ends the Pope urged that the Bishops make human and theological formation for religious a priority.


Pope Benedict concluded by recalling the II Missionary Congress of the Americas, held in Guatemala in 2003 urging that the missionary impetus be intensified particularly among indigenous peoples, so that through the words and examples of the Bishops religious and lay faithful, “the Church may continue to shine as a source of hope for all”.