May 12, 2010. Benedict XVI met with intellectuals in Portugal at the Cultural Center in Belem near Lisbon. That’s where he was also greeted by 101 year old film director Manuel de Oliveira who
had some welcoming words for the pope.


Before more than 14 hundred writers, artists, actors and musicians, Benedict XVI spoke about Portugal’s roots. He also focused on their responsibility to shape culture and the integral development of society.

Benedict XVI
“Fidelity to man requires fidelity to the truth, which alone is the guarantee of freedom and of the possibility of integral human development.”

Benedict XVI said the North-South Center of the council of Europe, which has its headquarters in Lisbon, is a good example of that. The center promotes the cooperation between Europe, southern countries in the Mediterranean and Africa.

The pope also reminded Portuguese intellectuals that their talent touches the hearts of humanity and that they should not fear bridging the beauty of their work with the beauty of God.

The pope encouraged the art world in Portugal not only to create beautiful masterpieces but also to turn each of their lives into something beautiful too.

Benedict XVI
“Create beautiful work, but above all, make your lives a place of beauty.”

In the end, the pope explained that the mission of the Church in the art world is to maintain the search for the truth and the lord alive.

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