Vatican City (
AsiaNews) - In Sri Lanka, "much work needs to be done to promote
reconciliation, to respect the human rights of all the people and to overcome
the ethnic tensions that remain" after years of war, states Pope Francis
in his address to the bishops of the country received today for their
five-yearly "ad limina" visit.
Despite
there being "a new dawn of hope" visible, the Pope also notes that religious
extremists "in promoting a false sense of national unity based on a single
religious identity, have created tensions through various acts of intimidation
and violence". In
this context, " can provide an atmosphere of dialogue that seeks to
construct a more just and equitable society". One contribution to this goal is represented
by the priests , "a great blessing and a direct fruit of the seeds missionaries
planted a long time ago". "The Catholics of Sri Lanka wish to
contribute, together with the various elements of society, to the work of
reconciliation and rebuilding. One such contribution is the promotion of unity.
Indeed, as the country seeks to come together and heal, the Church is uniquely
positioned to provide a living image of unity in the faith as she is blessed to
count both Sinhalese and Tamil among her number. In parishes and schools, in
social programmes and other institutions of the Church, Sinhalese and Tamil
find opportunities to live, study, work and worship together".
Another
of the Church's important tasks is its work in the field of charity. The
Pope recalled the work of the national Caritas' after the 2004 tsunami in efforts
of reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction. Its
commitment in the fields of education, healthcare and assistance to the poor,
he said, is also important. In
the general context of economic growth, " this prophetic witness of
service and compassion becomes even more important: it shows that the poor must
not be forgotten nor inequality permitted to grow".
Problems
linked to the financial crisis and war, finally, have severely affected
families.
"Many have lost their employment and so families have been separated as spouses
leave their homes to find work". "There
is also the great challenge and increasing reality of mixed marriages, which
require greater attention to preparation and assistance to couples in providing
for the faith formation of their children. When we are attentive to our
families and their needs, when we understand their difficulties and hopes, we
strengthen the Church's witness and proclamation of the Gospel. Particularly by
supporting marital love and fidelity, we help the faithful to live their
vocation freely and joyfully, and we open new generations to the life of Christ
and his Church".