Text 1645, 67 rader
Skriven 2006-09-19 21:23:26 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
===================================================
Hello All!

                The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                          Vatican Information Service.
                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                               VIS-Press releases

SLOVENIA: ENSURE CONTINUITY OF RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 16, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received the Letters
of Credence of Ivan Rebernik, the new ambassador of Slovenia to the Holy See.
In his address to the diplomat, the Holy Father observed how Slovenia
"cultivates a fruitful dialogue with the ecclesial structures present on the
ground, recognizing their positive contribution to the life of the nation."

"From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the power of the Gospel was at
work in the land of Slovenia," said the Holy Father, mentioning Sts. Victorinus
and Maximianus. He also recalled Blessed Anton Maria Slomsek who "promoted
national resurgence, undertaking valuable work in the formation of the
Slovenian people."

In Slovenia, Pope Benedict went on, "Christianity and national identity are
closely linked. It is therefore natural that there should be such profound
harmony with the Bishop of Rome." This "constructive dialogue was not
interrupted by the sad events of last century," and in 2001 led to the signing
of the Agreement between the Republic of Slovenia and the Holy See on juridical
matters.

"This is an important agreement," he added, "the faithful implementation of
which cannot but strengthen mutual relations and collaboration for the
promotion of the individual and the common good, while fully respecting the
laicism of the State." However, "open questions" still exist, "which await a
solution."

Benedict XVI went on: "Knowing the respect and affection nourished by
Slovenians for the Pope, I am certain that their political representatives will
know how to interpret their traditions, sensibilities and culture. The
Slovenian people have the right to affirm and assert the Christian spirit that
formed their identity."

"The task facing today's leaders is that of identifying appropriate ways to
acquaint the new generations with a knowledge and appreciation of the values of
the past, enabling them to bring the rich patrimony they have inherited into
the millenium that has just begun. ... It would be truly shortsighted not to
seek to open young people to a knowledge of their historical roots whence flows
the lymph necessary to ensure the nation new seasons rich in fruit.

"In this context," he added, "the question of [young people's] education - also
in the religious values shared by the majority of the population - must not be
avoided, if we do not wish to risk progressively losing the specific
characteristics of national identity. What is at issue is respect for the very
freedom of citizens, over which the Republic of Slovenia watches carefully, and
which the Apostolic See also wishes to see promoted in the spirit of the
aforementioned agreement."

The Holy Father concluded by referring to "the experience of other peoples on
the continent of Europe, in particular the Slavonic peoples, who, aware of the
importance of Christianity for their social identity and of the valid
contribution the Church can offer in this field, have not evaded the duty of
ensuring, also through legislation, that their rich ethical and religious
heritage may continue to bring abundant fruits to young generations."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/REBERNIK:SLOVENIA VIS 060918 (510)

SUMMARY

--- MPost/386 v1.21
 * Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS =Meridian, MS= bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)