Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Catholic News

Home

Home
Catholic
Religion News
Your job is to give voice to the suffering, Pope tells new ambassadors

Your job is to give voice to the suffering, Pope tells new ambassadors

Last updated on: May 19, 2016 at 1:40 pm by CNA Daily News

Your job is to give voice to the suffering, Pope tells new ambassadors 2016-05-19T13:40:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, May 19, 2016 / 07:40 am (CNA/EWTN News).- As six new ambassadors to the Holy See presented Pope Francis with their credentials, the pontiff stressed that as representatives of their people, they must be the voice of those suffering tragedies such as violence and forced migration.

“For those suffering the tragedy of violence and forced migration, we must be resolute in making their plight known to the world community,” the Pope told a group of six new ambassadors to the Holy See, who presented him with their credentials May 19.

He said that as diplomats, their efforts to advocate on behalf of those forced to leave their homes involuntarily is essential, so that “as they lack the strength or ability to cry out, their voice may be heard in our own.”

The path of diplomacy helps to both “amplify and convey this cry” by pursuing effective solutions to the complex, underlying causes of the modern conflicts, he said.

In particular, this applies to “our efforts to remove weapons from those perpetrating violence, and to end the scourge of human trafficking and the drug trade which often support this evil.”

Pope Francis met with the new ambassadors inside the Sala Clementina of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. Present alongside their families, they represent the countries of the Seychelles, Thailand, Estonia, Malawi, Zambia and Namibia.

Just under two weeks ago the Pope outlined his “dream” for a renewed Europe based on fresh ideas and a revamped economy that promotes integration and respect for basic human rights and dignity, particularly for incoming migrants.

The majority of the new ambassadors who presented their credentials today come African nations – where a large number of Europe’s migrant influx comes from – and so represent the other side of issue.

In his speech to them, Francis told the diplomats that their presence serves as a reminder that while their nationalities, cultures and religions might differ, “we are united by our common humanity and a shared mission to care for society and creation.”

With so many throughout the world suffering due to problems such as war, conflict, displacement, forced migration and the uncertainties brought on by economic hardship, a united service to humanity is increasingly necessary, he said.

The Pope stressed that problems won’t be solved by discussion alone, but by “concrete signs of solidarity” with those most in need.

However, for this solidarity to be effective, he said global efforts must be directed to pursuing a peace in which “each individual’s natural rights and integral human development are nurtured and guaranteed.”

Francis said the task of obtaining such a peace requires a coordinated effort encouraging members of local communities to become “artisans of peace” at home, and to promote social justice and respect for creation.

But in an increasingly “fragmented and indifferent” world in which people choose to “isolate themselves from harsh realities” they’d rather not face, this task is becoming more and more difficult, he said.

Many people are “afraid of terrorism and of a growing influx of migrants fundamentally changing their culture, economic stability and way of life,” the Pope said, explaining that these are understandable concerns which one can’t “dismiss lightly.”

However, although the fears have a rational foundation, “they must be addressed in an intelligent and creative way, so that the rights and needs of all are respected and upheld.”

Efforts toward peace ought to first help people to stay in their homelands, he said, but noted that the present migration crisis requires incoming peoples to be helped and cared for.

“We must not allow misunderstanding and fear to weaken our resolve. Rather, we are called to build a culture of dialogue,” the Pope said, explaining that by doing so, a full integration can be reached that both preserves the culture of the host country, and respects the traditions of incoming migrants.

“This is essential,” Francis said, adding that if a mentality of misunderstanding and fear prevails, “something of ourselves dies, our cultures, history and traditions are weakened, and our own peace is compromised.”

But if we are able to foster dialogue and solidarity at both the individual and collective level, “it is then that we experience the best of humanity and secure an enduring peace for all, as intended by our Creator.”

Pope Francis closed his speech by sending a personal greeting to the pastors and faithful of each country represented, encouraging them to be heralds of both hope and peace in their communities.

He referred specifically to Christian and other minority communities who suffer persecution for their beliefs, assuring them of his “prayerful support and solidarity.”

Vatican

Previous Post

May 19, 2016

Are we less free than a 1950s housewife? A look at contraception

Next Post

May 19, 2016 Pope Francis to meet top Sunni imam at the Vatican

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which Psalm did Moses write?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Psalm 23 Psalm 90 Psalm 72 Psalm 119