Vatican City, Dec 17, 2009 / 15:56 pm
In an audience with the bishops of Belarus today, the Pope reminded the bishops of the importance of bearing witness to the lasting message of the Gospel as they remind society that there is something beyond the “temptations of secularization, hedonism and relativism.”
The bishops, who were in Rome on their annual “ad limina” visits, met with the Pontiff before returning home. They were reminded not only an impending agreement between the Holy See and the country of Belarus, but also of the tasks that await them in their own dioceses.
The Pope began by reminding the bishops how important it is to constantly announce the eternal message of the Gospel with enthusiasm and to remind society that there is something beyond the “temptations of secularization, hedonism, and relativism, signs of which are the problems of the falling birth-rate, the fragility of families and the illusion of finding fortune outside the homeland.”
Speaking to the bishops in their role of as shepherds, Pope Benedict reminded them that as pastors they ought “to underline the power of the faith, a faith rooted in solid tradition, in order to contribute to preserving the deep-rooted Christian identity of the nation, while maintaining respectful dialogue with other cultures and religions.”