Vatican City, Mar 14, 2008 / 10:20 am
Today the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of Carlos Federico de la Riva Guerra, the new ambassador of Bolivia to the Holy See. The Pope addressed the ambassador saying that though there are tensions in the country, the Church is ready to assist in restoring unity to its people.
In his address to the diplomat, the Holy Father recalled how "Bolivia's deep Christian roots have sustained its people” along the country’s history and have “promoted a sense of respect and reconciliation, so necessary in the difficult moments the nation has had to face.”
Currently, Bolivia is in the midst of trying times. Pope noted, Bolivia "is experiencing a process of profound change which is producing difficult and at times worrying situations. ... We cannot remain indifferent when social tension is increasing and a climate unfavorable to understanding is spreading", he said.
To overcome these tensions, he indicated that "the authorities ... and the leaders of political, social and civil organizations" must seek "to promote ... the conditions necessary for dialogue and agreement. This praiseworthy aim will be facilitated if all Bolivians contribute the best of themselves with openness and diligence and, at times, not without abnegation and sacrifice."