Pope Benedict XVI Receives Letters of Credence from New Czech Ambassador

(27 Sep 08 - RV) Pope Benedict today greeted the new Ambassador to the Holy See from the Czech Republic, Pavel Vošalík, who presented the Hly Father with his letter of Credence. We have this report…

Pope Benedict praised the role that the Gospel played in bringing hope to the Czech people in times of oppression, saying that Hope is indeed the timeless message which the Church offers to every generation.

The Holy Father made mention of the fact that the Czech republic will soon take over the presidency of the European Union.


He said the Church is well aware of the many challenges facing Europe precisely at a time when its nations aspire to build a more stable international community for future generations.


To move forward, the Pope said its leaders are called to recognize that human happiness and well-being cannot be achieved through structures alone or by any single stratum of social or political life.


Pope Benedict also said all of society benefits when the Church is afforded the right to exercise stewardship over the material and spiritual goods required for her ministry, saying that in the Czech republic, there are signs of progress in this area, but there is more to be done.


He then made mention of the special government commission set up to deal with outstanding Church property issues, including the future of the Cathedral in Prague.


The Holy Father also mentioned the work down by Caritas on behalf of expectant mothers, the homeless, the disabled, and the imprisoned.

He said the coordination between Caritas Czech Republic and the governmental Ministries of Health, Labour and Social Affairs demonstrates the potential fruits that can result from close collaboration between State and Church agencies.

Pope Benedict concluded by offering his condolences to the Czech people upon the death of Ambassador Ivo Zdarek, who was among those killed last Saturday in the terrorist bombing in Islambad, Pakistan.

He said he prays daily for an end to such acts of aggression, and encourages all those engaged in diplomatic service to dedicate themselves ever more keenly to facilitating peace and ensuring security throughout the world.