Pope meets Bulgarian, Macedonian delegations on feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius

(May 23, 2011) In order to build a stronger and cohesive continent, Europeans must rely on authentic values based on the universal moral law written in the heart of every man, rather than merely aiming at economic ends. Pope Benedict XVI made the remark on Monday while welcoming an official delegation from Bulgaria that is in Rome on the occasion of the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the apostles of the Slav people and patrons of the Orthodox Church. The feast of the two 9th century brothers from Thessaloniki, is observed on May 24, Tuesday, according to the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1980, Blessed John Paul declared the two saints co-patrons of Europe, together with Saint Benedict. In his address to the Bulgarian delegation, Pope Benedict recalled the spiritual and cultural importance of the two evangelizers of the Slav people saying through their courageous preaching, they led to a vast spiritual renewal and laid the foundations for an authentic promotion of freedom and unity of a Christian Europe. As Europeans are embracing new prospects of cooperation, the Holy Father said, these two great saints remind us that their unity will be stronger and solid if it is founded on their common Christian roots.” “In fact, the Christian faith that has shaped the culture of the Old Continent, is a central and defining element in Europe's complex history,” the Pope added.
To another delegation from neighbouring Macedonia, also in Rome for the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Pope Benedict XVI recalled the contribution of the two brothers to Europe’s culture through the preaching of the Gospel which leads to respect for human dignity. In their passion to spread the Gospel of the Christ they did everything possible to spread the Christian doctrine, collecting it in books written in the Slav language. Cyril and Methodius compiled the first alphabet suitable for Slav languages which later developed into the Cyrillic script that is used today in Bulgaria, Russia and a number of other east European countries. The Pope said this was a decisive event for the growth and development of the Slav civilization and culture in general. In the salvific plan of God, the Pope explained, people can find the foundation on which to build a civilization and society imbued with the spirit of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. And there cannot be real unity without respect for the dignity of every human person and his inalienable rights. Pope Benedict said Sts. Cyril and Methodius very well knew that the Gospel of Christ is capable of illuminating every sphere and dimension of human experience in order to make it more human. The Word of God continually calls for the conversion of heart, so that every decision and choice is purified of selfish interest and leads to the birth of a new humanity, the Pope added.