Benedict XVI Calls for "Human Ecology"
Urges Replacing Violence With Solidarity
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says a "human ecology" is urgently needed, so that the evils of violence and oppression can be replaced with honesty, solidarity and concord.
The Pope affirmed this Thursday to Suhail Khalil Shuhaiber, Kuwait's new ambassador to the Holy See, noting the country "has overcome the devastating effects of violence and war," and "continues to play an important role in the delicate process of reconciliation which offers the only sure hope for a resolution of the many complex problems affecting the Middle East."
The Holy Father recognized Kuwait's acknowledgment of the "importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue for the promotion of peace."
"Such dialogue," he wrote, "and I th! ink here with satisfaction of the increasing contacts between Muslims and Christians -- is essential for overcoming misunderstandings and forging solid relations marked by mutual respect and cooperation in the pursuit of the common good of the whole human family. Children, in particular, need to be educated in the authentic values underlying their own culture and in a spirit of openness to other cultures, respect for others and commitment to peace.
"In a world where intolerance, violence and oppression are all too often proposed as the solution to disagreements and conflict, there is urgent need of a 'human ecology,' capable of extirpating these evils and sowing those virtues which will foster the growth of a truly humane culture of honesty, solidarity and concord."
Religious freedom
Benedict XVI lauded the religious freedom in Kuwait that allows Catholics living and working there to "freely worship in their own churches."
"This funda! mental right, grounded in the inviolable dignity of the person, is fittingly considered the cornerstone of the whole edifice of human rights," he added. And he expressed his confidence that "as the Catholic community in Kuwait continues to grow [...] authorities will readily assist them in meeting the urgent need for new and more adequate structures for worship and assembly."
Finally, the Holy Father focused on education and the Church's contribution to the formation of Kuwaiti children. "It is my hope," he said, "that, in freely carrying out their proper mission, including the formation of young Christian students in their faith, [Catholic] schools will help to strengthen the fabric of society by preparing their students to cooperate in building a future of solidarity and hope for coming generations."
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 17, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says a "human ecology" is urgently needed, so that the evils of violence and oppression can be replaced with honesty, solidarity and concord.
The Pope affirmed this Thursday to Suhail Khalil Shuhaiber, Kuwait's new ambassador to the Holy See, noting the country "has overcome the devastating effects of violence and war," and "continues to play an important role in the delicate process of reconciliation which offers the only sure hope for a resolution of the many complex problems affecting the Middle East."
The Holy Father recognized Kuwait's acknowledgment of the "importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue for the promotion of peace."
"Such dialogue," he wrote, "and I th! ink here with satisfaction of the increasing contacts between Muslims and Christians -- is essential for overcoming misunderstandings and forging solid relations marked by mutual respect and cooperation in the pursuit of the common good of the whole human family. Children, in particular, need to be educated in the authentic values underlying their own culture and in a spirit of openness to other cultures, respect for others and commitment to peace.
"In a world where intolerance, violence and oppression are all too often proposed as the solution to disagreements and conflict, there is urgent need of a 'human ecology,' capable of extirpating these evils and sowing those virtues which will foster the growth of a truly humane culture of honesty, solidarity and concord."
Religious freedom
Benedict XVI lauded the religious freedom in Kuwait that allows Catholics living and working there to "freely worship in their own churches."
"This funda! mental right, grounded in the inviolable dignity of the person, is fittingly considered the cornerstone of the whole edifice of human rights," he added. And he expressed his confidence that "as the Catholic community in Kuwait continues to grow [...] authorities will readily assist them in meeting the urgent need for new and more adequate structures for worship and assembly."
Finally, the Holy Father focused on education and the Church's contribution to the formation of Kuwaiti children. "It is my hope," he said, "that, in freely carrying out their proper mission, including the formation of young Christian students in their faith, [Catholic] schools will help to strengthen the fabric of society by preparing their students to cooperate in building a future of solidarity and hope for coming generations."