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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   
      
   --- MPost/386 v1.21   
    * Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS =Meridian, MS= bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)