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Vatican City,
10th June 2005 (CNA)
- Speaking to a group of bishops from South
Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Lesotho
concluding their "ad limina" visit, Pope Benedict
reaffirmed Church teachings on priestly celibacy,
as well as abstinence and fidelity to prevent
AIDS.
Speaking in English, the Pope noted how
Catholics represent a minority in Africa, and
that, for this reason "it is essential that the
bishops promote the crucial work of catechesis in
order to ensure that God's people are truly
prepared to witness by word and deed to the
authentic teaching of the Gospel."
Benedict XVI gave thanks to God for "the
many priests, religious and lay men and women who
have given their lives to" the "noble task" of
evangelization in Africa over the course of last
century.
The Pope went on: "Even though your region
still needs more priests, one cannot help but
thank God for the large number of vocations to the
priesthood you are currently witnessing in
Sub-Saharan Africa."
The Pope said, "It is your grave
responsibility to help them develop into men of
the Eucharist. Priests are called to leave
everything and become ever more devoted to the
Blessed Sacrament. "
"I encourage you, therefore,” he continued,
“in your ongoing efforts to conscientiously select
candidates for the priesthood. Likewise, these
young men should be formed with great concern to
guarantee that they are prepared for the many
challenges they will face."
"A world filled with temptations needs
priests who are totally dedicated to their
mission" and who serve others "as Christ did by
embracing the gift of celibacy," Benedict XVI
highlighted.
In that regard, "Bishops should assist them
by ensuring that this gift never becomes a burden
but always remains life-giving. One of the ways
this can be achieved is by bringing ministers of
word and sacrament together for continuing
education, retreats and days of recollection," the
Pope said.
Sexual Morality
Benedict XVI stressed how "family life has
always been a unifying characteristic of African
society," but expressed concern that "the fabric
of African life is threatened by divorce,
abortion, prostitution, human trafficking and a
contraceptive mentality, all of which contribute
to a breakdown in sexual morality."
After explaining how he shared the bishops'
"deep concern over the devastation caused by AIDS
and related diseases," the Pope said, "I
especially pray for the widows, the orphans, the
young mothers and all those whose lives have been
shattered by this cruel epidemic."
The Pontiff urged the bishops "to continue
your efforts to fight this virus which not only
kills but seriously threatens the economic and
social stability of the continent."
"The traditional teaching of the Church has
proven to be the only failsafe way to prevent the
spread of HIV/AIDS. For this reason, the
companionship, joy, happiness and peace which
Christian marriage and fidelity provide, and the
safeguard which chastity gives, must be
continuously presented to the faithful,
particularly the young," he
concluded.
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