VATICAN CITY, DEC. 16, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Members of different religions can coexist in a cordial and peaceful atmosphere, and unite in the common values of hospitality and compassion, Benedict XVI says.
The Pope affirmed this Thursday in an address given to Elizabeth Ya Eli Harding, the new ambassador to the Holy See from Gambia.
The Holy Father lauded the "cordial and peaceful relationship [...] between the members of different religions" in the West African country. And he affirmed that he prays this atmosphere "will be consolidated and protected from the corrupting influence of ideologies that would use religion for political ends."
The Pontiff wrote that the future of Gambia "is interwoven with the future of West Africa."
"The Holy See looks with hope on the efforts to consolidate peace in the region," he added. "Nothing can dispense with the process of political dialogue where differences are harmonized and group expectations readjusted for the common good of the people. The Gambia has already given an example of this approach in a recent international dispute. I encourage your country to continue along this noble path in the solution of external and internal differences."
Rule of law
Benedict XVI assured the ambassador that the "Church gives its full encouragement and cooperation to all African governments who strive to strengthen the rule of law and eradicate corruption, to curb political harassment and the abuse of power. [...] Political institutions and public officials are by their very nature open to legitimate control and criticism since they serve the common good of the country and the needs and aspirations of the people whom they represent.
"A political climate based on the respect for truth is an indispensable foundation of civil society. Love of their nation should encourage all, authorities and citizens, political parties and the media, to contribute actively to the consolidation of a healthy, open and respectful political environment."
The Pope also expressed his hopes for improved living standards in Gambia.
"I encourage all to become involved in the promotion of the essential equality and complementarity of man and woman," he wrote. "Likewise the struggle against AIDS has to continue on the medical and especially educational fronts. Promiscuous sexual conduct is a root cause of many moral and physical ills and must be overcome by promoting a culture of marital faithfulness and moral integrity.
"The displacement of populations and the influx of refugees, seeking freedom from the many miseries that armed conflicts bring with them, is still a pressing problem which strains available resources. I am aware of the difficulties involved and I encourage the people and the institutions, public and private, who offer their service to those in need. At the same time I appeal to the international community to play a generous part in supporting this humanitarian task."
