Pope Says Christian Roots Key for Serbian Reconciliation

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is urging all interested parties in the Kosovo crisis to act with "prudence and moderation."

The Pope made that appeal today when he received the credential letters of Vladeta Jankovic, Serbia's new ambassador to the Holy See.

In his speech to the diplomat, the Pontiff affirmed that the Holy See "greatly values its diplomatic links with Serbia, and hopes thereby to offer encouragement to the continuing efforts to build a future of peace, prosperity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence throughout the region, as Serbia and its neighbors seek to take their proper place within Europe."

"Few countries in the continent of Europe escaped the ravages of war in the last century," the Holy Father lamented, "and all can learn from the lessons of the recent past. As you work toward a more secure future, it is vital to remember that the identity and the rich cultural tradition of your nation, as of all European nations, is deeply rooted in the heritage of Christian faith and the Gospel of love."

"If we choose to live by the values drawn from our Christian roots," the Bishop of Rome contended, "we discover the courage to forgive and to accept forgiveness, to be reconciled with our neighbors, and to build together a civilization of love in which all are accepted and respected. I know how deeply the Serb people have suffered in the course of recent conflicts and I wish to express my heartfelt concern for them and for the other Balkan nations affected by the sad events of the last decade.

"The Holy See shares your earnest desire that the peace that has been achieved will bring lasting stability to the region. In particular, with regard to the current crisis in Kosovo, I call upon all interested parties to act with prudence and moderation, and to seek solutions that favor mutual respect and reconciliation."

Interreligious dialogue

Benedict XVI said that the loss of Christian unity has resulted in some of the divisions between the peoples of Europe.

He thus expressed joy for the progress in relations between Catholic and Orthodox Christians in Serbia in recent years and for the beneficial collaboration made in various areas. "I earnestly hope that these positive developments will continue to bear fruit," the Pope said, "in particular through joint exploration of Christian social doctrine."

The Holy Father next spoke of Serbia's geographical situation on the border between Eastern and Western Christianity, saying it offers "a unique opportunity to promote ecumenical dialogue, while its familiarity with Islam, both through its encounter with the Ottoman Empire and through the presence of many Muslims in the region today, opens up rich possibilities for progress in interreligious dialogue. Both of these processes are of the utmost importance in establishing greater mutual understanding and respect between peoples and nations in the modern world."

The Pontiff affirmed the importance of freedom of religion for building a harmonious society: "The steps taken by Serbia in recent years to guarantee this fundamental human right are greatly appreciated.

"The plan to restore to churches and religious communities property that had been nationalized by the Yugoslav Federation and the introduction of religious teaching in schools have contributed to the spiritual renewal of your country, and in this regard an important example has been given from which other governments can learn.

"I pray that this openness to religious values in society will continue to grow, so that public debate may be truly nourished by the principles derived from faith."

Serbia continues to be the site of conflict following Kosovo's declaration of independence Sunday. Today the U.S. embassy in Belgrade was set on fire. The United States is one of the countries that has recognized Kosovo's declaration, which Serbia contests.

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