Pope meets new Brazilian ambassador

(February 9, 2009) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday received Brazil’s new ambassador to the Holy See Luiz Felipe Seixas Correa and wished the growing South American economy is able to achieve a more just distribution of national income and strengthen greater social justice for the good of the people. At the formal reception ceremony in the Vatican, the Pope said he was happy to note that Brazil and the Holy See have common points of agreement especially on the threats to peace in the world. He wished that Brazil a champion of human dignity, always continue to promote and spread fundamental human values, specially when it comes to recognizing the sanctity of life. The Pope reminded Ambassador Correa that apart from material poverty in the world there was also great moral poverty even amidst plenty. He spoke of consumerism and hedonism which together with a lack of solid moral principles render both the society and the family in Brazil vulnerable. Hence the Holy Father underscored the urgent need for a solid moral formation at all levels, including in politics, against the constant threat of materialistic ideologies but especially against the temptation of corruption in handling public and private funds.