“Catholicism an essential keynote of the edifice of Canadian society”, Pope tells Canada’s new Ambassador to the Holy See

(Oct.30, 2008):- “Catholicism is an essential keynote of the edifice of Canadian society” Pope Benedict XVI told Canada’s new Ambassdor to the Holy See – Mrs Anne Leahy, when she presented her Letters of Credence on Thursday. The Pontiff said that the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations will be celebrated in a few months. However, ties between the Holy See and Canada go back several centuries, he said and recalled the words of late Pope John Paul II, who paid three apostolic visits to Canada and during one visit to Toronto, told the Prime Minister “Canadians are heirs to an extraordinarily rich humanism, through a combination of many cultural elements”.
Pope Benedict praised Canada’s commitment in the efforts for the consolidation of peace and reconciliation in several regions of the globe and for it’s multilateral cooperation for solving many problems that challenge Humanity today. He added his support to the initiatives taken by the Canadian Bishops to promote family life, and thus to promote the dignity of the human person.
The Pope praised the important role that Catholic schools play for the human and spiritual education of youth, and said religious education must hold its place, while respecting the conscience of each student. Stating that Catholic schools spread the mission of the Church for the good of all, and they enrich all of Canadian society, Pope Benedict encouraged Canadians to continue this fine tradition, generously opening particularly to those most vulernable.
The Pope also mentioned the commitment of Canada and the Holy See, together with other countries, to support the implementation of the Convention to ban landmines. He added that this Convention represents an international instrument that has seen a success rarely achieved in the field of disarmament in recent times,thus showing, that when states are united in a climate of understanding, mutual respect and cooperation to oppose a culture of death, it helps in the cause of advancing peace in the world.
In conclusion, the Pope told Canada’s new Canadian Ambassador to the Vatican, he hoped that the harmonious relations that exist between Canada and the Holy See can continue and deepen.