VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Fraternity, justice and labor are key elements to building a peaceful society, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope said this today upon receiving the letter of credence from Comlanvi Theodore Loko, the new ambassador from Benin to the Holy See. In his address, the Pontiff reflected on the motto of Benin — Fraternity, Justice, Labor.
He encouraged those who «work in the construction of a society built on justice and peace, in recognition of the rights of all the components of the nation.»
The «realization of such an ideal needs fraternal union, love of justice and appreciation of labor,» the Holy Father said, which he called «a true compendium of the charter of a nation with lofty human ideals.»
«It’s realization,» he continued, «also contributes to greater solidarity with other nations.»
Benedict XVI noted that fraternity «is a primordial condition for social peace and a factor of integral human promotion.»
«A concrete expression of the equal dignity of all the citizens, fraternity is a fundamental principle and a basic virtue for the development of a truly flourishing society, as it allows for the appreciation of all human and spiritual potential,» he said.
«Fraternity must also lead to the pursuit of justice,» the Pope continued, «whose absence is always the cause of social tensions and gives place to numerous harmful consequences.»
Also in reference to the need for justice, he warned that «the pursuit of personal interest to the detriment of the common good is an evil that slowly undermines public institutions, which also impedes the integral development of the human being.»
«The political, economic and social actors of a nation constitute its ‘vigilant conscience,’ which guarantees transparency in its structures and the ethics that animates the life of the whole society,» the Holy Father stated. «They must be just.
«Justice always accompanies fraternity. It is a factor of efficacy and social balance.»
1st place
With regard to labor, Benedict XVI called it a priority for the development of society: «[Labor] is co-existential to the human condition, given that the human being is fully realized by his work.
«Love of work ennobles him and creates a true symbiosis between persons, as well as between the human being and the other elements of creation.»
Among the values of Benin’s patrimony, the Pontiff also noted respect for the sacred character of life. He pointed out that those values «will be a precious help to reaffirm its identity and its own vocation.»
Earlier, the ambassador of the African country addressed a greeting to the Pope, in which he dedicated a few words of remembrance of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, native of Benin, who died two years ago.
Benedict XVI later referred to the cardinal as «an authentic builder of bridges between cultures and continents,» and said his example is an inspiration to many in Benin, especially young people.
«His ecclesial ministry, for its part, will inspire the men and women of the Church to carry out a generous and ever more competent service for the greater good of your beloved country, which next year will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its evangelization,» the Pope said.
The Holy Father also underlined «the excellence of the relations that exist between the Republic of Benin and the Holy See, and the great consideration that the people of Benin have for the Catholic Church.»
He encouraged Benin’s Catholics «to be ever more genuine witnesses of the faith and of the fraternal love that Christ shows us,» and recognized the efforts of the government «to consolidate the relations of mutual respect and esteem between the religious confessions of your country.»
«Religious liberty,» the Pope added, «cannot but contribute to enrich democracy and foster development.»
The West African country of Benin has a population of 9 million, of which 27% are Catholic, 24% are Muslim, and 15% are non-Catholic Christian.
