Benedict XVI’s journey recent journey to Britain has confirmed his "profound conviction that these ancient nations have a Christian soul, that is one with the genius and history of their peoples" and "even if an aggressive secularism threatens the Church, convinced of the good that it transmits, [the Church] will not cease to work continuously to keep alive this spiritual and cultural tradition". The September 16 to 19 trip to Britain, "an official visit and at the same time a pilgrimage to the heart of history and of today" in that country, a "historic event in the long and complex relations between those populations and the Holy See".
The Pope dedicated his address to about 10 thousand people present in St Peter's Square for the general audience. The visit was primarily aimed at "supporting the Catholic community, to encourage them to work hard to defend the unchanging moral truths which, taken, illuminated and confirmed by the Gospel, are the basis of a truly humane society, fair and free" .
Benedict XVI retraced step by step the "intense and wonderful days" of the visit, during which "I spoke to the hearts of people in the UK and they have spoken to mine" proving "that Christian heritage is still strong and still alive”.
"From the first day I received a warm welcome everywhere" from everyone, beginning with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, in Edinburgh, who "welcomed me with great kindness on behalf of all British people”. The meeting with them was "very cordial" during which they shared their "great concern for the welfare of all peoples of the world and for Christian witness."
Then the mass in Glasgow, the first mass celebrated on British soil, of which the Pope recalled the "traditional melodies," and during which Benedict XVI spoke of the importance of the evangelization of culture in today's world, where "a pervasive relativism threatens to change the immutable truth about man."
Next, his arrival in London, where he spoke of Catholic education, pointing out "the importance of faith in the education of mature and responsible citizens”. His recommendation to young people "not to pursue limited objectives, contenting themselves with easy options, but to aim for something greater."
The same day, to representatives of other religions he repeated the "unavoidable necessity of honest conversations, which require the principle of reciprocity in order to be fruitful" and the search for the sacred as a common commitment.
The "very cordial and fraternal" meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury was an "important moment in relations between Catholics and Anglicans, who showed a willingness to continue on the path towards full unity."
Benedict XVI dedicated a special thought today to the importance of ecumenism, recalling that a plenary session of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic and the Orthodox Church is underway in Vienna. This session will deals with the "role of the bishop of Rome in the universal Church, with particular reference to the first millennium of Christian history.
"Obedience to the Lord Jesus, and consideration of the great challenges that present themselves to Christianity - he said - force us to engage seriously in the cause of restoration of full communion between the Churches. "
"I urge everyone - he concluded - to pray intensely for the Commission's work and for continuous development and consolidation of peace and harmony among the baptized, so that we may give the world a more authentic witness to the Gospel”.
Returning to his visit to Britain, the day of the 17th ended in Westminster Hall, where, addressing representatives of civil, academic and cultural society, as well as British businesspeople and the diplomatic corps, he said that " for legislator religion is not a problem to solve, but a contributing factor to the historical progress of a nation, especially in recalling the role of ethics in social and political life. " A consideration, in light of the belief expressed today by the Pope, that is true not only for Britain but for the entire West.
In those days there was also an intense encounter, at the Nunciature, with some victims of clerical abuse. "It was a moment of intense emotion and prayer”, after which the Pope met with a group of “professionals and volunteers responsible for safeguarding children and young people in Church, a particularly important pastoral activity of the Church. I encouraged them to continue their work, which is part of a long tradition of the Church in the formation of new generations. "
"The culmination of my visit" was the beatification of John Henry Newman, "an illustrious son of England."
"Preceded and prepared by a special vigil held in an atmosphere of deep prayerfulness and stillness. The beatification evoked the figure of an "intellectual and a believer," whose thoughts can be summarized with the statement that "the way of consciousness is not one of closing in on oneself, but of openness, conversion and obedience to Him who is the way truth and life. "
SIC: AN/EU