Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Central
Asia in Ad Limina visit
(October 2, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI said that despite the heavy pressure during the
years of communist and atheist regime, the dedicated work of zealous priests, religious
and laity, the flame of faith has been turned on in the hearts of believers. The community
may be reduced to a "little flock" but they should not be discouraged. The Holy Father
was addressing the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Central Asia, on Thursday,
2nd of October during their Ad Limina Visit. Ad Limina visit is the five
yearly visit of the Bishops to Rome to visit the tombs of the Apostles and at the
same time to give the full account of their Dioceses to the Holy Father. He reminded
them of the first community of disciples of the Lord, which, although small, are not
closed in upon themselves, but, driven by love of Christ, announced and witnessed
the Gospel with joy. The Pope asked them to look with patience and courage, new forms
and methods of apostolate, anxious to update them according to today's needs, taking
into account the language and culture of the faithful entrusted to them. The Holy
Father then pointed to the challenges posed by the globalised society regarding the
proclamation and practice of Christian life in their region. In addition he mentioned
of the difficulty that exists almost everywhere in the world which poses serious threat
to security and peace, namely, the scourge of violence and terrorism, the spread of
extremism and fundamentalism. He called on them to face it courageously, and considering
that the profession of their faith is a universally recognised human right. The Pope
then expressed his gratitude to each one of them and the members of the community,
specifically, the Franciscans, Jesuits, oblates of Mary Immaculate and others who
work in those difficult areas and to tell them all that the Pope is next to them and
supports them in their ministry.