Pope Benedict Receives the Ambassador of Philippines
(October 27, 2008) The Filipino people are renowned for their warm generosity and
the high value they place on friendship and family life. The Catholic faithful in
your country-through their hunger for prayer, their lively devotion, and their eagerness
to serve others-demonstrate a firm trust in God’s loving providence, said Pope Benedict
XVI. He was speaking to Madam Ambassador from the Republic of the Philippines on
Monday, 27th at the presentation ceremony. The Pope expressed his gratitude
for the unique contribution the country has made and continue to make to the life
of the local and universal Church, and encouraged all men and women of the nation
to devote themselves to forging bonds of peace and social harmony. The Pope said that
the Catholic Church is eager to share the richness of the Gospel’s social message,
for it enlivens hearts with a hope for the fulfilment of justice and a love that makes
all men and women truly brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. She carries out this
mission fully aware of the respective autonomy and competence of Church and State.
He added that the Church is equally convinced that State and religion are called to
support each other as they together serve the personal and social well-being of all
and carry out their public duties with undaunted concern for the common good. Speaking
on the topic of Migration, the Pope said that he appreciated the concern the Ambassador
had expressed on behalf of the Government for the well-being of Filipino migrant workers.
Indeed, the Meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development hosted in Manila
clearly attests to the Philippines’ solicitude for all who leave their homeland in
search of employment in a foreign land. The Pope made an observation that the leaders
of her nation have passed legislation for comprehensive land reform with the aim of
improving the living conditions of the poor, by instilling a sense of common responsibility
and stimulating individual initiative. He expressed his confidence that the Republic
of the Philippines will continue to offer this holistic vision of the human person
in world forums, and hoped that the peace of God reign in the hearts and homes of
all people.