Pope again has focused on passing on true Christian values

For the second time this year Pope Benedict XVI has focused on an "educational emergency" in passing on true Christian values regarding marriage and family to new generations, reports Thaddeus M. Baklinski, LifeSiteNews.com.

In remarks addressed to Italian civil dignitaries at this morning's traditional exchange of New Year greetings, the Holy Father reiterated the concern he expressed in his New Year's Day message that "it seems ever more difficult convincingly to present new generations with firm certainties and criteria upon which to build their lives".

Speaking on New Year's Eve, he warned that many people, "especially the young, are attracted by the false exaltation or, more accurately, the profanation of the body and the trivialisation of sexuality".

The Holy Father called on civil institutions to "increase their efforts at various levels in order to tackle the educational emergency, drawing constant inspiration from the guide-criterion of the centrality of the human person."

"What is clearly at stake in the formation of individuals", the Pope explained, "is the very basis of co-existence and the future of society. For its part, the diocese of Rome is dedicating its special attention to this difficult task", with initiatives that touch "the various educational fields, from families and schools to parishes, associations and movements".

"It is clear that respect and support for the family based on marriage have primary importance", Pope Benedict added. "Unfortunately, we daily see how unrelenting and threatening are the attacks and misunderstandings suffered by this fundamental human and social institution. It is, then, more necessary than ever that public administrations do not support such negative tendencies but, on the contrary, give the family their convinced and concrete support, in the certainty that in this way they are working for the common good".

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[01/12/2008]

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