Vatican City (AsiaNews) – China, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia were not mentioned, just alluded to in Pope Benedict XVI's first address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican. He also reiterated his desire to engage others in dialogue, a desire which he had expressed on the first day of his pontificate. This

If, as logic would have it, this hope was first destined to other Christians and other religions, today it was expressed to other states. Drawing from his personal experience, Benedict XVI in fact solemnly reasserted the Church's commitment to peace, justice, the defence of life and human rights as well his desire to engage in dialogue other countries of the world, including those with whom the Holy See does not have regular diplomatic ties.

"I come from country where peace and brotherhood are close to the hearts of its people," he said, "especially of those who, like myself, experienced war and the separation between brothers of the same nation because of destructive and inhumane ideologies that under the pretext of dreams and illusions palced the burden of oppression on man".

"You will understand," he told the representatives of 174 states and international organisations with official relations with the Holy See, "that I am especially sensitive to dialogue among people as a way to overcome all forms of conflict and tension and make our world a land of peace and brotherhood."

In his address to the diplomats present in the Vatican's Royal Hall, Benedict XVI stressed how his thoughts also go to those who were not there, "for the nations that do not have diplomatic relations with the Holy See, some of which joined us in marking my predecessor's passing and my own election".

"Having appreciated their gesture today I want to express to them my gratitude and respectfully greet the civil authorities of these countries, hoping that one day soon I shall see their representatives in the Apostolic See."

"I have received messages from these countries, especially from those with large Catholic communities, which I have especially appreciated."

"I want to say," he added, "how much I care for those communities and the peoples to which they belong".

Benedict XVI spoke about John Paul II, that "indefatigable servant of the Gospel" who offered "a unique service to the cause of the unity of the human family", urging the nations of the world to follow his example and join forces to realise a better world.

"By joining forces and being together, Christian communities, national leaders, diplomats and all people of good will can build a peaceful society and defeat the temptation that lurks in different cultures, ethnic groups and worlds to fight against one another."

Finally, "for this reason," the Pope said, "each people must draw from its spiritual and cultural heritage the best values that it has in order to meet others without fear and share in their spiritual and material wealth for the benefit of all." (FP)