With violence, poverty, discrimination and environmental degradation putting the future of humanity at risk, people are seeking freedom, redemption and a better world, said Pope Benedict XVI.Christ is the answer to a troubled world as his Gospel message brings hope and can change one's life for the better, he said in his message for World Mission Sunday, observed Oct. 19 in most countries.
The papal message was released July 12 at the Vatican. The 2008 theme is "Servants and Apostles of Jesus Christ."
"Humanity needs to be liberated and redeemed," Pope Benedict said in his message.
Creation and humankind are suffering and people are waiting for "true freedom, waiting for a different, better world, waiting for redemption," he said in his message.
While there has been much social, economic and technological progress in the world, the pope said the world is still marked by violence, poverty, discrimination and persecution.
The "indiscriminate use" of the world's natural resources has put the delicate relationship between humanity and the environment under "constant threat" and hurt people's physical and mental health, he said.
Torn between hope and anguish for the future, those who believe in Christ will find hope, he said.
"Humanity can find redemption and hope only in Christ," so it is imperative Christians proclaim "the promise of life in Jesus Christ" to a world lacking hope and lacking God, he said.
"It is a pressing obligation for everyone to proclaim Christ and his saving message," said the pope.
He said St. Paul the Apostle, whose jubilee year will run until June 29, shows today's Christians that missionary activity is the response to God's love, which gives Christians the spiritual strength and energy to bring harmony, justice and understanding to all people. Only infused with his love will people possess the needed attention, tenderness, compassion and concern for others' problems and "spread the perfume of Christ's charity across the world," Pope Benedict said.
Although the church suffers from a dwindling number of clergy and a lack of vocations in several parts of the world, this cannot impede the church's call to evangelize, Pope Benedict said.
Even in the face of "growing difficulties," Christ's mandate remains a priority and "no reason can justify a slowing down" or stagnation in the church's missionary activity, he said.
Countless numbers of people, "thirsty for hope and love," are waiting to hear the good news, he said.
The pope called on Catholics to trust in God's help and remember that preaching the Gospel is "a duty and a joy."
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