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Skriven 2006-10-14 00:41:02 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                               VIS-Press releases

COMMITMENT TO TRUTH OPENS THE WAY TO RECONCILIATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 9, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from Benedict
XVI to Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president emeritus of the Pontifical
Council for Promoting Christian Unity, for a meeting of Australian bishops
commemorating the 20th anniversary of John Paul II's visit to their country.
The meeting was held in Alice Springs, Australia, from October 2 to 7.

In his Letter, written in English, the Pope indicates how recalling John Paul
II's visit provides an opportunity to renew the aims and repropose the
challenges he identified. These include faithfulness "to your worthy
traditions," the capacity to "adapt your living culture whenever this is
required," and above all the ability to open hearts "to the consoling,
purifying and uplifting message of Jesus Christ."

"How," the Holy Father asks, "might these challenges be embraced when there is
much that could lead to discouragement or even despair? As Jesus, during His
time on earth, moved from village to village preaching the Good News of truth
and love, He captured the attention of those who heard Him." He "made a deep
impression because He taught them with authority. Indeed, every human community
needs and seeks strong, inspiring leaders to guide others into the way of hope.

"Much rests therefore," he adds, "upon the example of the elders of
communities. I encourage them to exercise authority wisely through faithfulness
to their traditions, ... and most especially through a renewed expression of
their deep awareness of God, made possible through the Good News of Jesus
Christ."

Addressing young people, the Pope writes "keep alight the flame of hope and
walk tall. ... Don't allow your 'dreaming' to be undermined by the shallow call
of those who might lure you into the misuse of alcohol and drugs, as promises
of happiness. Such promises are false, and lead only to a circle of misery and
entrapment."

The Pope praises achievements "along the path of racial reconciliation," though
warning that "there is still much to be accomplished. No one can exempt
themselves from this process. While no culture may use past hurt as an excuse
to avoid facing the difficulties in meeting the contemporary social needs of
its own people, it is also the case that only through the readiness to accept
historical truth can a sound understanding of contemporary reality be reached
and the vision of a harmonious future espoused.

"I therefore again encourage all Australians to address with compassion and
determination the deep underlying causes of the plight which still afflicts so
many Aboriginal citizens. Commitment to truth opens the way to lasting
reconciliation through the healing process of asking for forgiveness and
granting forgiveness - two indispensable elements for peace."
BXVI-LETTER/AUSTRALIA/CASSIDY VIS 061009 (460)

SUMMARY

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