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                               VIS-Press releases

COSTA RICA: CONTINUE TO BE A BEACON FOR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, 3 DEC 2010 (VIS) - Benedict XVI today received the Letters of
Credence of Fernando F. Sanchez Campos, the new ambassador of Costa Rica to the
Holy See, to whom he expressed his contentment at the Jubilee Year the nation
is currently celebrating to mark the 375th anniversary of the discovery of the
image of Our Lady of the Angels, the national patroness.

The Pope referred to Costa Ricans as "a people who centuries ago welcomed the
evangelical seed, to see how it would sprout forth in countless educational,
healthcare and humanitarian initiatives. Thus the children of your land well
know that in Christ the Son of God man can always find the strength to combat
poverty, domestic violence, unemployment and corruption, seeking social
justice, the common good, and the integral progress of human beings. No-one
must feel themselves to be detached from the attainment of these exalted
goals", he said.

"In this context", the Pope continued, "the public
authorities must be the
first to seek out what is of benefit to everyone, working principally as a
moral force that augments each individual's freedom and sense of
responsibility. This must not undermine the fundamental values which support
the inviolable dignity of the person, beginning with the unswerving protection
of human life. In this context I am pleased to recall that it was in your
country that the Pact of San Jose was signed, which expressly recognises the
value of human life from conception. Thus it is to be hoped that Costa Rica
does not violate the rights of the unborn with laws that legitimise in vitro
fertilisation or abortion".

The Holy Father then turned his attention to a new legal agreement which will,
he said, "reaffirm the long history of mutual collaboration, healthy
independence and mutual respect between the Holy See and Costa Rica", helping
to guarantee "their traditional and fruitful understanding - more stably and
more in keeping with current historical circumstances - with a view to the
greater good of the country's religious and civil life".

"I have made special mention of Costa Rica in my prayers, because of the tragic
consequences of the torrential rains that affected the country", said Benedict
XVI. "I also asked God that the nation may continue to follow the paths that
make her a beacon for peace in the international community. To this end it is
important that those who guide the country's destiny do not hesitate to reject
impunity, juvenile delinquency, child labour, injustice and drug trafficking,
encouraging such important measures as security in cities, adequate education
of children and young people, due attention to those in prison and effective
healthcare for everyone, ... as well as programmes to ensure that people can
achieve a dignified standard of living and find decent work. Moreover, it is
vital that new generations should acquire the conviction that conflicts cannot
be won by mere force, but by converting hearts to goodness and truth,
eradicating poverty and illiteracy, strengthening the rule of law and
stimulating the independence and effectiveness of the law courts".

"A great contribution in this direction will be made if one of society's
fundamental and irreplaceable pillars is strengthened: the stability and union
of the family. This institution is suffering, perhaps like no other, the
effects of the broad and rapid transformations of society and culture;
nonetheless, it must not lose its true identity. ... Thus, no measure will be
in vain if it favours, safeguards and supports marriage between a man and a
woman".

"Protecting the natural environment will facilitate the defence of peace,
because the two are intimately related", the Holy Father concluded.
"Costa Rica
has distinguished itself in the field of environmental protection and the
search for a balance between human development and the safeguarding of natural
resources. ... I encourage all Costa Ricans to continue to work towards what
favours true human development, in harmony with the creation, while avoiding
spurious and false interests, and lack of foresight in a field of such
transcendent importance".
CD/VIS 20101203 (680)

SUMMARY

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