Defend family and marriage, Pope tells bishops of Scandinavia

(March 25,2010) Religion in the Nordic regions has an important role in shaping public opinions and influencing decisions on matters concerning the common good, Pope Benedict told the Bishops of Scandinavian countries on Thursday. Addressing them at the conclusion of their ad limina visit, which all worldwide bishops make every five years to report on their dioceses, the Pope said “your flock is small in number and scattered over a wide area. Many have to travel great distances in order to find a Catholic community in which to worship. Therefore, it is most important, to make them realize that every time they gather to worship, they are participating in the act of the universal Church. Noting that in recent years there has been the weakening of the institution of marriage and the Christian understanding of human sexuality.
Pope Benedict said the most important message the people of the Nordic lands must hear is of the central role of the family. He stressed that children have the right to be conceived and brought up within the marriage, as it is only through the secure and recognized relationship to their parents, they can discover their identity and achieve their proper development. It is in the interests all and especially the governments, said the Pope, to defend and promote a stable family life. He advised the Scandinavian Bishops to help the young to acquire a mature understanding of their faith. Noting that immigrants in their land have needs of their own , the Pope told the bishops to assist in their integration into society. Finally, reminding the bishops that it is the priestly Year, the Pope urged the Bishops to see that the priests are well prepared for their sacred task..