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Peace, economic ethics and the role of religion in public debate were the themes that Benedict XVI addressed on Friday, October 2nd, in his speeches to the three new ambassadors to the Holy See: Mercedes Arrastia Tuason of the Philippines; Henriette Johanna Cornelia Maria van Lynden-Leijten of the Netherlands, and Miguel Humberto Diaz of the United States of America.
Addressing the ambassador of the Philippines, the Pope noted that it is necessary to strengthen peace initiatives, commit to solving regional conflicts and counteract fundamentalism with charity.
To the new ambassador of the Netherlands, Benedict XVI recalled the importance of a sound ethical approach to the process of economic integration, highlighted the traditions of tolerance and freedom that characterizes Northern Europe, and encouraged the promotion of the family built on the foundation of a stable and fruitful marriage between a man and a woman.
To Miguel Humberto Diaz, ambassador of the United States, Benedict XVI underlined the need for a clear discernment with regard to issues touching the protection of human dignity and respect for the inalienable right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, as well as the protection of the right to conscientious objection on the part of health care workers, and indeed all citizens.
Religion, the Pope noted, enriches political and ethical discourse and the Church wishes to offer her full contribution to society. |
