March 22, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Vatican holds diplomatic relations with about 180 countries worldwide. Most of them were represented Friday during the Pope's audience with
accredited diplomats to the Holy See.
Meeting inside the Sala Regia, Pope Francis delivered brief
remarks on the work he shares with the other countries to build lasting
peace in the world.
FRANCIS“I
wish that the dialogue between us will help build bridges between
mankind, so that each person can find in others, not an enemy or
competitor, but a brother welcomed with open arms.”Ditching
the red cape that covers his upper body, traditionally used for
meetings with diplomats, Pope Francis encouraged dialogue between
different religions, to achieve peace.
He said it was also
important to reach out to non-believers, and those in search of truth.
Be he added that God plays an important role in the process.
FRANCIS “You cannot in fact build bridges between mankind forgetting
about God. But it's also true inversely. You cannot live in truth with
God by ignoring others.”The newly-elected Pope explained how
his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, inspired him to look after the
poor, and those who are suffering, as well as the Church's role in
protecting them.
But he also gave a second explanation. Echoing
the words of his predecessor Benedict XVI, he spoke spiritual poverty in
the richer countries, caused by individualism.
FRANCIS“You cannot have peace if each person is the measure of
oneself, if each person claims their own rights without, as the same
time, looking out for the good of others, of all others, starting with
mother nature which accommodates each and every person on this Earth.”During
his nine minute speech, he thanked the presence of
Muslim leaders, as
well as those countries who do not have diplomatic ties with the
Vatican, but still attended his Inaugural Mass.
He closed off the meeting, individually greeting each delegate and their spouses.
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