Pope Francis has reminded new ambassadors to pursue the common good.
The Holy Father did so when addressing today, Dec. 14, 2017, in the Clementine Hall on the occasion of the presentation of letters of credentials of new ambassadors to the Holy See from Yemen, New Zealand, Swaziland, Azerbaijan, Chad, Liechtenstein and India. They are all non-resident ambassadors.
In his remarks, Francis reminded them how important it is to foster dialogue in this increasingly globalized world.
Recognizing the countries the new ambassadors represent, the Pope emphasized the positive and constructive role that such diversity plays in the concert of nations.
«The international community faces a series of complex threats to the sustainability of the environment and of the world’s social and human ecology, as well as risks to peace and concord stemming from violent fundamentalist ideologies and regional conflicts, which often appear under the guise of opposing interests and values,» the Pope lamented.
«Yet,» the Pontiff noted, «it is important to remember that the diversity of the human family is not itself a cause of these challenges to peaceful coexistence. Indeed the centrifugal forces that would drive peoples apart are not found in their differences, but in the failure to set out on the path of dialogue and understanding as the most effective means of responding to these challenges.»
He reminded them that their very presence before him is a reminder of the key role that dialogue plays in enabling diversity to be lived in an authentic and mutually enhancing way in our increasingly globalized society.
«Respectful communication leads to cooperation, especially in fostering reconciliation where it is most needed. This cooperation in turn assists the progress of that solidarity which is the condition for the growth of justice and due respect for the dignity, rights and aspirations of all.
«A commitment to dialogue and cooperation must be the hallmark of every institution of the international community, as well as of every national and local institution, for all are charged with the pursuit of the common good.»
The Holy Father concluded saying he will be praying for them and their important work, and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.
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On Zenit’s Web page:
Full Text: https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-address-to-new-ambassadors-to-the-holy-see/
