Vatican City, Jun 26, 2008 / 08:51 am
This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received the Letters of Credence of Firmin Mboutsou, the new ambassador of Gabon to the Holy See. During his address, the Holy Father called on the government of Gabon to become more open to the Church’s efforts to provide education.
"The Church contributes," said the Holy Father, "and wishes to contribute ever more to educating men, women and children, without distinction, respecting people and their cultures, and transmitting to each the spiritual and moral values indispensable for human development.” Also of value, the Pope pointed out, is the Church’s work to teach healthcare workers. Hopefully, Benedict XVI said, Gabon and the Catholic Church can come to an agreement that fully recognizes and supports this charitable service.
The Holy Father then went on to refer to agreements concerning education signed in 2001, expressing his hope that they "become established at the diocesan level.”
“The Church,” he said, "wishes to maintain and develop quality teaching," and this "requires the support of the authorities and of the various services of the State," the Pope told Mr. Mboutsou.