Vatican City, Sep 28, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Speaking to the final group of Mexican bishops, in Rome for their 'ad limina' visit earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged prelates from the regions of Acapulco, Antequera and Yucatan to make the Gospel message and charity the cement which will build up "authentic human and community development" in that country.
In his address, the Pope stressed the centrality of the bishop's teaching mission, namely through the transmission the Gospel "with its moral and religious values." He highlighted the need to bear in mind "the various situations and aspirations arising from contemporary society, the situation of which the pastors must know well."
"It is important", he said, "that special efforts be made to explain properly the reasons for the Church's position, stressing that it is not a case of imposing on non-believers a vision based on faith, but of interpreting and defending the values rooted in the very nature of the human person'."
"At the same time," he continued, "the pastors of the Church in Mexico must pay special attention ... to the most unprotected groups and to the poor. ... From the Gospel, the appropriate response is to promote the solidarity and peace that make justice truly possible. For this reason the Church seeks effective collaboration in order to eradicate all forms of marginalization, orienting Christians to practice justice and peace. In this context, encourage those with greater resources to share them."