Vatican City, Oct 7, 2010 / 17:52 pm
Remembering the historical cooperation of the Catholic Church with the Chilean government on Thursday, the Holy Father hoped for collaboration to confront current threats to the cultural identity of the nation. Affirming that this is important, especially to young people today, he said that the Church always works for the good of all people and not just believers.
Pope Benedict XVI met with the new Chilean ambassador to the Holy See, Fernando Zegers, on Thursday morning. Offering his credentials, Mr. Zegers recalled the long history of the cooperation between Church and State in the country and most recently the "irreplaceable" role of the Church in rebuilding efforts after the devastating earthquake near the city of Concepcion last February.
Accepting the new diplomat's credentials, the Pope said that he holds Chile "very close to his heart ... especially after the terrible earthquake." He assured the ambassador that he has also not forgotten the trapped miners and their families for whom he continues to "fervently" pray.
He recognized the unity of the Chilean people in the face of such difficulties and praised the Church for its efforts to help those who most need it. Noting the role of the Church in important events throughout the country's recently celebrated 200-year history and in forming the country's national identity, Benedict XVI observed that "the fruits that the Gospel has produced in this blessed land are numerous."