Protect family values Pope tells Bishops of Latin America
(March 29, 2011) The Family Ministry has a prominent place in the evangelizing action
of the church, promoting the culture of life and working for the rights of families
to be recognized and respected. Pope Benedict XVI made the remarks in a message
addressed to the Commission for Family and Life of the Latin American and Caribbean
Bishops meeting in Bogata, Columbia on Monday. The meeting was inaugurated by Cardinal
Ennio Antonelli, President of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family. The meeting
will conclude on 1st April. The Pope‘s message noted how rapid cultural
changes, social instability, immigration and poverty are affecting families. Observing
that some education programs trivialize sexuality and create false ideologies, the
Pope said the church cannot remain indifferent to these challenges. Stating that in
the Gospel, we find the light to respond to these challenges, the Pope urged the
Bishops to work diligently to accompany the families in the discovery of the plan
of love that God has for human beings. He stressed that no effort must be spared
to promote matters that contribute to the well being of each family based on the indissoluble
union between a man and a woman to carry out its mission. The Pope also advised the
bishops to encourage parents in their right and fundamental obligation to educate
their children in the faith and values that dignify human existence.