Pope welcomes new Romanian ambassador to Holy See

(October 21, 2010) Twenty years ago Romania decided to write a new page in its history after having lived for years under the yoke of a totalitarian communist ideology, but now the nation must use its freedom well in order to not to obscure true values. Pope Benedict XVI made the remark on Thursday to Romania's new ambassador to the Holy See, Bogdan Tataru-Cazaban, when the diplomat presented his credentials at a formal ceremony in the Vatican. The Pontiff noted that the former communist country’s entry into the European Union has indeed been an important milestone in the nation’s quest for authentic democratic process, but he urged that the nation avoid the pitfall of basing society only on the search for welfare and greed for wealth, which he acknowledged is but understandable after over 40 years of deprivation. He said integrity, honesty and transparency should inspire and lead all segments of society to good governance. He said it is now time to embark upon the difficult task of correctly putting human affairs in place by making good use of freedom. In this process of rebuilding society, the Pope said, the family and education have important roles of imbuing the younger generation with high ideals and moral virtue and urging them to a life open to others through compassion and kindness.