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Skriven 2006-10-30 21:59:40 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                               VIS-Press releases

GREECE, APPROPRIATE JURIDICAL STATUS FOR THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope received prelates
from the Greek Episcopal Conference, who have just completed their "ad limina"
visit.

The Holy Father began his address by referring to the "abundant influx" of
Catholics from neighboring countries, which faces Greek bishops and clergy with
"new requirements of ministerial service that are not easy to meet."

Bearing in mind the diversity of languages and rites of the faithful, said Pope
Benedict, "I believe the development of constructive dialogue with other
episcopates is more than ever appropriate." From this, he added, will emerge
"prudent decisions" on how to find the ministers and resources necessary.
"Obviously, respect for specific identities must be borne in mind, but without
sacrificing ... the life and plans of the Churches that Christ entrusted to
you."

The Holy Father called upon the prelates "to continue your efforts to encourage
vocational pastoral care;" on the one hand "carefully cultivating the seeds of
vocation," and on the other, "inviting Christian communities to pray more
intensely" for a greater number of priestly and religious vocations, He also
emphasized "the spiritual needs of so many immigrants who have found a
dignified and cordial welcome in your country. This," he added, "is the style
typical of your people."

On the question of contact with the faithful of the Orthodox Church, who make
up the majority of the Greek population, Benedict XVI highlighted the need "to
intensify prayer so as to accelerate the coming of that blessed day when it
will be granted us to break the Bread together, and drink together from the
same Chalice." On this subject, he expressed his hope for the opening of "ever
greater prospects of constructive dialogue between the Greek Orthodox Church
and the Catholic Church," and for an increase in "shared spiritual, cultural
and practical initiatives. Moreover, it is my pleasure to send my best wishes
to His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and of all Greece," and
through him "to the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church and to all the
faithful."

The Pope affirmed that in his individual meetings with the Greek bishops, he
had noted their "desire to see the State define their right to have an
appropriate and recognized juridical status. Dialogue on this question is
underway," he added, "a dialogue in which the Apostolic See is not the main
player."

"Apart from dialogue, this question also requires perseverance. It is
unnecessary to add that the Catholic Church seeks no privileges, but only asks
for her identity and mission to be recognized, in such a way as to be able
effectively to make her contribution to the overall wellbeing of the noble
Greek people, of which you are an integral part. With patience and respect for
legitimate procedures it will be possible, with everyone's commitment, to
achieve the desired agreement."

The Holy Father concluded his talk by recalling the distress felt by many
communities "at the internal displacement of their faithful. Many of them are
scattered over the territory and this leads to difficulties in their
relationships with their respective pastors. It is also phenomena such as this
that reveal the importance of affective and effective unity among you bishops
through greater internal coordination."
AL/.../GREECE VIS 061030 (550)

SUMMARY

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