VATICAN CITY, JAN. 7, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says diplomacy needs to give hope in a world where security and stability are fragile.
The Pope made this affirmation today when he gave his traditional New Year's address to the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with 176 nations.
The Holy Father gave an overview of some of the most notable signs of hope and concern on the planet at the beginning of 2008.
Latin America
Referring to his May trip to Brazil, Benedict XVI spoke about Latin America, giving special mention to Cuba. That island nation will celebrate this year the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit.
"In the economic and social sphere, I was able to note eloquent signs of hope for that continent, as well as certain reasons for concern," Benedict XVI said. "We all look forward to seeing increasing cooperation among the peoples of Latin America, and, within each of the countries that make up that continent, the resolution of internal conflicts, leading to a consensus on the great values inspired by the Gospel."
Natural disasters
The Holy Father gave special mention to places affected by "appalling natural disasters."
"I am thinking of the hurricanes and floods which have devastated certain regions of Mexico and Central America, as well as countries in Africa and Asia, especially Bangladesh, and parts of Oceania; mention must also be made of the great fires," he said.
The Pope particularly mentioned Peru, devastated by an earthquake in August. The Pope said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, his secretary of state, visited the South American nation and "brought me a firsthand account of the destruction and havoc caused by the terrible earthquake, but he spoke also of the courage and faith of the peoples affected."
Middle East
The Pontiff returned again to a theme he has given much attention: the conflict in the Middle East.
"I am glad that the Annapolis Conference pointed toward the abandonment of partisan or unilateral solutions, in favor of a global approach respectful of the rights and legitimate interests of all the peoples of the region," he said. "I appeal once more to the Israelis and the Palestinians to concentrate their energies on the implementation of commitments made on that occasion, and to expedite the process that has happily been restarted.
"Moreover, I invite the international community to give strong support to these two peoples and to understand their respective sufferings and fears."
Benedict XVI particularly lamented the plight of Lebanon and the war in Iraq. He gave special mention to the persecution of Christians and their emigration from Iraq.
Asia
With Pakistan the home of renewed conflict after the Dec. 27 assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, the Holy Father had a message for that country.
"I hope that all political and social forces will commit themselves to building a peaceful society, respectful of the rights of all," he appealed.
The Pope then turned his attention to Afghanistan, where "in addition to violence, there are other serious social problems, such as the production of drugs; greater support should be given to efforts for development, and even more intensive work is required in order to build a serene future."
Finally, he noted continuing situations of conflict in Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Africa
Benedict XVI lamented that hope is almost vanquished in the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan. He also noted the obstacles to peace in Congo and Somalia.
Given escalating violence in Kenya after the Dec. 27 elections, the Pope joined that nation's bishops in appealing for dialogue and justice.
"The Catholic Church is not indifferent to the cries of pain that rise up from these regions," he said. "She makes her own the pleas for help made by refugees and displaced persons, and she pledges herself to foster reconciliation, justice and peace."
Europe
The Holy Father last turned his attention to Europe, saying: "I rejoice at the progress that has been made in various countries of the Balkan region, and I express once again the hope that the definitive status of Kosovo will take account of the legitimate claims of the parties involved and will guarantee security and respect for the rights of all the inhabitants of this land, so that the specter of violence will be definitively removed and European stability strengthened.
"I should like also to mention Cyprus, recalling with joy the visit of His Beatitude Archbishop Chrysostomos II last June. It is my earnest wish that, in the context of the European Union, no effort will be spared in the search for a solution to a crisis that has already lasted too long."
Noting the work that began with the Dec. 13 signing of the Treaty of Lisbon, the Pontiff spoke of the process of building a "'European home,' which 'will be a good place to live for everyone only if it is built on a solid cultural and moral foundation of common values drawn from our history and our traditions' and if it does not deny its Christian roots."
Human freedom
Benedict XVI concluded his address with an appeal to a correct use of human freedom, by founding it on natural law.
"From this rapid overview it appears clearly that the security and stability of the world are still fragile," he said. The factors of concern are varied, yet they all bear witness to the fact that human freedom is not absolute, but is a good that is shared, one for which all must assume responsibility. It follows that law and order are guarantees of freedom.
"Yet law can be an effective force for peace only if its foundations remain solidly anchored in natural law, given by the Creator. This is another reason why God can never be excluded from the horizon of man or of history. God's name is a name of justice, it represents an urgent appeal for peace."
