Pope urges Italian bishops to form credible Christians mature in faith

Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday expressed concern over Italian society slipping more into secularism, and urged the nations’ bishops for a renewed commitment to bring their faithful back to the essentials of Christian faith and life. The Pope made the comment as members of the Italian bishops’ conference (CEI) met him in the Vatican during their general assembly taking place in Rome. The Pope said that secularism was trying to relegate God to the private sphere and was reducing faith life, which is evident in participation at Mass but particularly in the Sacrament of Confession. In order to overcome this spiritual crisis the Pope said the nation is greatly in need of credible witnesses. “Adults in the Community: Mature in Faith and Witnesses of Humanity,” is the theme of the bishop’s assembly that concludes on Friday. Pope Benedict urged the bishops of Italy to be aware of the decisive role of those called to assume an educative responsibility in various spheres of life towards the new generation. “Watch and work to enable the Christian community to form persons who are mature in faith,” the Pope said, adding, “our country needs persons who have encountered Christ and make of Him the fundamental reference point of their lives.” Today, the Church in Italy needs to realize that for many God has become the great Unknown and Jesus simply a great man of the past. There cannot be a renewed missionary thrust without a renewal in the quality of our faith and our payer, the Pope added.