Pope Francis admires heroic strength of Filipino people in face of natural disasters -This morning, he visited the president of the Republic of the Philippines and his family & 45 min later addressed the authorities & diplomatic corps: “This visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers & sisters who endured suffering, loss & devastation due to Typhoon Yolanda” Together with many people, Ive admired their heroic strength, faith & resilience -virtues, rooted in hope & solidarity instilled by Christian faith, gave rise to outpouring of goodness & generosity, especially so many younth. In that moment of national crisis, countless people came to the aid of their neighbors in need. At great sacrifice, they gave of their time & resources, creating networks of mutual help & working for the common good. This example of solidarity in the work of rebuilding teaches us an important lesson. Like a family, every society draws on its deepest resources to face new challenges. Today the Philippines, together with many other countries in Asia, face the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society -a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our God-given human dignity & rights, ready to confront new & complex political & ethical questions. As many voices in your nation have pointed out, its now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity & commitment to the common good. In this way theyll help preserve the rich human & natural resources with which God has blessed this country & marshal the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present & pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace. Essential to the attainment of these national goals, is the moral imperative of ensuring social justice & respect for human dignity. The great biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor. It bids us break bonds of injustice & oppression which give rise to glaring & scandalous, social inequalities. Reforming social structures which perpetuate poverty & exclusion of the poor 1st requires a conversion of mind & heart. The Filipino bishops asked that this year be set aside as the Year of the Poor. I hope this prophetic summons will challenge everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor & inspire concerted efforts to ensure inclusion of every man, woman & child in the life of the community. A fundamental role in the renewal of society is played by the family -especially young people. A highlight of my visit will be meetings with families & young people in Manila. Families have an indispensable mission in society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals & genuine concern for others. But like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured & destroyed. It needs our support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve & defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience & religious freedom & respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn & extending to that of the elderly & infirm. So families & local communities must be encouraged & assisted in their efforts to transmit to our young the values & vision which can help bring about a culture of integrity, which honors goodness, truthfulness, fidelity & solidarity as the firm foundation & moral glue which holds society together. Mr President, distinguished authorities, dear friends, as I begin my visit to this country, I cant fail to mention the Philippines’ important role in fostering understanding & cooperation among countries of Asia & the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life & welfare of societies in which they live. Its precisely in the light of the rich cultural & religious heritage of which your country is proud that I leave you with a challenge & a word of prayerful encouragement. May the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral human development. In this way, each person will be able to fulfill his or her potential & so contribute wisely & well to the future of this country. Im confident that the praiseworthy efforts to promote dialogue & cooperation between followers of different religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble goal. I express my trust that progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles & respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including indigenous peoples & religious minorities”.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 20:07:00 +0000
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