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Skriven 2005-12-27 23:34:36 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                          Vatican Information Service.
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                               VIS-Press releases

LETTERS OF CREDENCE OF NEW UK AMBASSADOR TO HOLY SEE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 23, 2005 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Benedict XVI
received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador of the United Kingdom to
the Holy See, Francis Martin-Xavier Campbell.

In his address to the diplomat, Benedict XVI highlighted the fact that
relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom "have made possible a
significant degree of cooperation in the service of peace and justice,
especially in the developing world, where the United Kingdom has played a
leading role in international efforts to combat poverty and disease. ... I pray
that this effective solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters will be
maintained and deepened in years to come."

Referring to an observation made in the new ambassador's speech, that his
"country is no stranger to the strife caused by the sad divisions within
Christianity," the Pope affirmed that "the wounds resulting from more than four
centuries of separation cannot be healed without determined efforts,
perseverance, and above all, prayer."

Having given thanks to God for the progress made in ecumenical dialogue, the
Pope said: "Ecumenism is not simply an internal matter of concern to Christian
communities; it is an imperative of charity which expresses God's love for all
humanity and His plan to unite all peoples in Christ, ... and as such [it] has
an essential part to play in overcoming divisions between communities and
nations."

Benedict XVI also expressed his happiness at "the significant progress that has
been made over the last few years towards achieving peace and reconciliation in
Northern Ireland. Local Churches and ecclesial communities have worked hard to
overcome historic differences between sections of the population, and among the
most visible signs of the growth in mutual trust is the recent decommissioning
of weapons by the Irish Republican Army. This would not have been possible
without immense diplomatic and political efforts."

The Holy Father also recalled the July bomb attacks in London, giving
assurances "of the continuing support of the Church as you seek solutions to
the underlying tensions that give rise to such atrocities. The Catholic
population in Great Britain is already marked by a high degree of ethnic
diversity and is eager to play its part in furthering reconciliation and
harmony between the various racial groups present in your country. ...
Tolerance and respect for difference are values that the United Kingdom has
done much to promote both within its borders and beyond."

The Pope went on: "You have spoken of the importance for the United Kingdom of
remaining faithful to Europe's rich traditions, and such fidelity naturally
involves a profound respect for the truth that God has revealed concerning the
human person. It requires us to recognize and protect the sanctity of life from
the first moment of conception until natural death. It requires us to
acknowledge the indispensable role of stable marriage and family life for the
good of society. It obliges us to consider carefully the ethical implications
of scientific and technological progress, particularly in the field of medical
research and genetic engineering.

"Above all," he concluded, "it directs us towards a proper understanding of
human freedom which can never be realized independently of God but only in
cooperation with His loving plan for humanity. Tolerance and respect for
difference, if they are truly to benefit society, need to be built upon the
rock of an authentic understanding of the human person, created in the image
and likeness of God and called to a share in His divine life."
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/UK:CAMPBELL VIS 051223 (600)

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