Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – After the ecumenical meeting in the morning, on July 18, the Holy Father Benedict XVI made his way to the Chapter Hall in St. Mary’s Cathedral, where he held a meeting with representatives from other religions. After the greetings addressed from Cardinal George Pell, Chief Rabbi of the Sydney Synagogue, Jeremy Lawrence, and Sheikh Mohamadu Saleem, the Pope gave an address in which he referred to Australia as a nation “is a nation that holds freedom of religion in high regard.” The Pope opened his address, saying: “Your country recognizes that a respect for this fundamental right gives men and women the latitude to worship God according to their conscience, to nurture their spirits, and to act upon the ethical convictions that stem from their beliefs.” The Holy Father indicated the importance of a “harmonious relationship between religion and public life,” especially in this day and age, when consider religion as “a cause of division rather than a force for unity.” He continued, saying: “In a world threatened by sinister and indiscriminate forms of violence, the unified voice of religious people urges nations and communities to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and with full regard for human dignity.” Religion stands at the service of mankind in various manners. One, “is by offering a vision of the human person that highlights our innate aspiration to live generously, forging bonds of friendship with our neighbors,” the Holy Father explained. The religious sense opens men and women to God “and leads them to discover that personal fulfillment does not consist in the selfish gratification of ephemeral desires. Rather, it leads us to meet the needs of others and to search for concrete ways to contribute to the common good.” The Holy Father later mentioned that religions teach people “authentic service requires sacrifice and self-discipline, which in turn must be cultivated through self-denial, temperance and a moderate use of the world’s goods.” Thus, “men and women are led to regard the environment as a marvel to be pondered and respected rather than a commodity for mere consumption. It is incumbent upon religious people to demonstrate that it is possible to find joy in living simply and modestly, generously sharing one’s surplus with those suffering from want.” Benedict XVI explained that these values were “particularly important to the adequate formation of young people.” Although they are often tempted to view life itself “as a commodity,” the youth have an aptitude for self-mastery, and when presented with high ideals, “many young people are attracted to asceticism and the practice of moral virtue through self-respect and a concern for others.” He then encouraged both faith schools and State schools to do more “to nurture the spiritual dimension of every young person,” considering the fact that in Australia, “religion has been a motivating factor in the foundation of many educational institutions, and rightly it continues to occupy a place in school curricula today.” All the religions draw constant attention to the wonder of human existence, to the power of the mind, to the possibility of forming a vision for the future, to the ability not only to imagine how things might be better, but to invest their energies to make them better. “Religion, by reminding us of human finitude and weakness, also enjoins us not to place our ultimate hope in this passing world,” the Holy Father affirmed, emphasizing that “the Church shares these observations with other religions. Motivated by charity, she approaches dialogue believing that the true source of freedom is found in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe it is he who fully discloses the human potential for virtue and goodness, and he who liberates us from sin and darkness.” “My dear friends, I have come to Australia as an ambassador of peace,” the Pope said, as he concluded his speech. “For this reason, I feel blessed to meet you who likewise share this yearning and the desire to help the world attain it... Our effort to bring about reconciliation between peoples springs from, and is directed to, that truth which gives purpose to life. Religion offers peace, but more importantly, it arouses within the human spirit a thirst for truth and a hunger for virtue.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/7/2008)
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