VATICAN CITY, JUNE 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Evangelization is the best service that Christians can offer to heal the wounds of society, says Benedict XVI.
This is the message the Pope gave today when receiving in audience the bishops of western African country of Togo, in Rome for their five-yearly visit.
"To establish a fully reconciled society it is necessary to begin with Christ, the only one able to definitively offer this grace to human beings," said the Holy Father.
For this reason, the Pontiff added, "the work of evangelization is an urgent necessity."
To achieve this goal, Benedict XVI underlined the importance of catechists and priests to "proclaim the word of God to their brothers and sisters."
The Pope also mentioned that the bishops of Togo "have contributed to dialogue for national reconciliation, reminding everyone of the requirements of the common good, in faithfulness to the truth of God and of humanity."
The Bishop of Rome insisted on the importance of the formation of the laity so that they can "commit themselves to social life and to working toward the common good."
"The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church is a valuable instrument for the formation of everyone and particularly of the laity," said the Holy Father.
Public witness
The Pontiff said of the laity: "Their involvement in public life, through respect for life, the promotion of justice, the defense of human rights and integral human development, is a witness offered to Christ.
"In this way, the faithful participate in the construction and development of the nation as well as the task of evangelization."
Benedict XVI underlined the necessity "to pursue and develop the cordial relations that exist with Muslims in Togo."
The Pope said "such relations are indispensable for ensuring concord and harmony among all citizens, and for promoting the shared values of humanity."
He added: "Through the formation of persons who are knowledgeable of the ecclesial institutions created to promote interreligious dialogue, you are favoring better reciprocal knowledge, in charity and truth, to achieve effective collaboration in the field of development of persons and society."
Togo has a population of 5.7 million, of which 24.8% are Catholic, 20% are Muslim and the rest belong to other Christian denominations or maintain traditional African beliefs.
ZE07062208 - 2007-06-22