Pope Benedict XVI’s Discourse to the Bishops of Sudan
(March 13, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI expressed his deep appreciation to the Church
of Sudan for their patient and sustained work towards the restoration of peace and
the avoidance of War. However, the Pontiff added: “If peace is to plant deep roots,
concrete efforts must be made to diminish the factors contributing to unrest, particularly
corruption, ethnic tensions, indifference and selfishness.” The Pope was addressing
the Bishops of Sudan on Saturday, 13th of March at the end of their Ad
Limina Visit. An ad limina visit means the obligation of residential diocesan bishops
of visiting the thresholds of the tombs of the Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul, and
of meeting the Pope to report on the state of their dioceses. The Holy Father called
on the Bishops to draw strength from their recent experience at the Special Assembly
for Africa of the Synod of Bishops as they continue to preach reconciliation and forgiveness.
The effects of violence may take many years to heal he said, yet the change of heart
which is the indispensable condition for a just and lasting peace must even now be
implored as a gift of God’s grace. He added that as heralds of the Gospel, they have
sought to instil in the people and in society a sense of responsibility towards present
and future generations, encouraging forgiveness, mutual acceptance and respect. As
a significant part of this witness, the Pope said: “I encourage you to dedicate your
energy to strengthening Catholic education, and thus preparing lay people in particular
to bear convincing witness to Christ in every aspect of family, social and political
life.” Finally, Pope Benedict expressed his appreciation for their efforts to maintain
good relations with the followers of Islam with genuine interreligious respect and
understanding and invited them to maintain the same openness and love towards people
belonging to the traditional religions.