VATICAN CITY, OCT. 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is recalling with joy the days he spent visiting Portugal last May, and the bonds that were forged with the people there.
The Pope stated this Friday in an audience with Manuel Tomas Fernandes Pereira, the new Portuguese ambassador to the Holy See.
The Pontiff acknowledged that while he was preparing for the meeting with the ambassador, «the edifying and happy images» came to mind that are kept «on the memory and in the heart,» related to the pastoral visit he made to that country last May 11-14.
He expressed gratitude «for the contribution made to the serene and fruitful unfolding of such a visit, the effect of which was amply obtained as attested by the innumerable messages relating to those memorable days that I had.»
«I will never forget the warm welcome given to me, and also the kind and respectful way with which my words were received,» the Holy Father said.
In the same way, he continued, «from a respectful collaboration and a loyal understanding between the Church and the civil power only benefits will be derived for the Portuguese society.»
Benedict XVI observed that «faith and history joined to forge a special bond between the Portuguese people and the Successor of Peter.»
«Animated by this hope, born six years ago was the Concordat between the Holy See and Portugal,» he noted. The Pope added that he was happy that the ambassador reminded him of the efforts that are being made «for a complete and faithful implementation» of the docment «in the different fields of the Catholic Church and of Portuguese society.»
Historical ties
In his address to the Pontiff, reported by L’Osservatore Romano,» the Portuguese diplomat commented that «the Concordat in force at present constitutes a fitting instrument to ensure bilateral relations in keeping with the noble traditions and the profound historical ties» between Portugal and the Holy See, «but also the important present common interests, in fruitful conditions of stability and of mutual respect.»
«I will always work from this point of view with total commitment,» he said, acknowledging his role as the «interpreter of the rooted filial devotion of the Portuguese people to the Church and to Your Holiness.»
Pereira continued, «Wherever there was or still is a Portuguese historical and cultural presence as a result of the extraordinary expansion of ‘lusitanita,’ begun in the period of the great maritime discoveries, the presence of the Church is alive and active also today.»
Common good
In his address, Benedict XVI affirmed that «wherever society grows and persons are reinforced in the good, thanks to the message of the faith, social coexistence also brings benefits and the citizens feel more disposed to serve the common good.»
He added that «with its presence in the international forum, the Holy See puts all its effort in serving the cause of the integral promotion of man and people.»
«It should be everyone’s conviction that the obstacles to such promotion are not only of an economic order,» the Pope said, «but depend also on the most profound attitudes and values: moral and spiritual values that determine the conduct of the human being towards himself, others and the whole of creation.»
Without these values, «a society cannot be established in a lasting way,» commented the Pontiff.
When the Church «promotes the awareness that these values themselves must inspire public and private life,» he noted, «it does so not for political ambitions, but to be faithful to the mission that its Divine Founder has entrusted to it.»
The Holy Father affirmed that the Church «does not represent partial or passing models of society, but tends to the transformation of hearts and minds, so that man can rediscover himself and recognize himself in the full truth of his humanity.»
«Its mission being of a moral and religious nature, the Church respects the specific area of responsibility of the state,» he added.
«At the same time,» Benedict XVI continued, «it encourages Christians to assume fully their responsibilities as citizens so that, together with the others, they contribute effectively to the common good and to the great causes of man.»