Pope Benedict XVI Receives Croatian Bishops
Matthew Borghese - All Headline News Staff Writer Vatican City (AHN) - Pope Benedict XVI received prelates from the Croatian Bishops' Conference at the Vatican, Thursday. The Pope expressed his contentment for the "solid preparation for the Sacraments and appropriate participation in the liturgy," and their "commitment to religious formation and to high quality catechesis," and their concern "for traditional forms of devotion and frequent pilgrimages, especially to Marian shrines." Croatia wants to join the European Union, and the Pope hopes they will continue to fight secularization and relativism with the "tireless announcement of evangelical values is necessary." Adding the faithful should not be afraid "to show the faithful what the Gospel teaches, putting them on their guard against values that run counter to it, so that your communities can stimulate all of society to pursue the common good and care for the needy." The Pope blesses the attempt to join, saying "It is essential that the construction of the common European home" rests upon that truth, and upon every individual's right to life, respect and religious freedom. "Upon these values it is possible to reach a consensus even with those people who, while not belonging to the Catholic Church, accept the voice of reason and are sensitive to the dictates of natural law." According to the Vatican, the Pope says, "Unfortunately, your country is still feeling |
