VATICAN CITY, OCT. 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is expressing closeness to the Filipino people who lost family members and homes in a tropical storm that caused extensive flooding in Manila.
The Pope stated this today in an audience with Mercedes Arrastia-Tuason, the new ambassador from the Philippines to the Holy See.
He assured the "beloved Filipino people" of his closeness and prayers, especially the victims of the Typhoon Ketsana, which struck Sept. 26, flooding the nation's capital and claiming some 250 lives.
In his address to the envoy, the Pontiff acknowledged several development initiatives under way in the Philippines, including "the modernization of irrigation systems, the improvement of public transportation and the reform of social assistance programs."
He expressed his confidence that the country will draw on all its resources, spiritual and material, so that its citizens "may flourish in body and soul, knowing the goodness of God and living in solidarity with their neighbors."
The struggle against poverty, the Holy Father affirmed, "calls for honesty, integrity and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those directly entrusted with the offices of governance and public administration."
He encouraged the "work of charity" and perseverance in peace-building, especially in those regions "scarred by conflicts."
Benedict XVI encouraged the Filipino people to "allow their deep faith, their cultural heritage and the democratic values that have been a part of their patrimony from the time of their independence to shine as an example to all."(Zenit)
The blog of a group of Filipino Catholics and their frank commentary on anything that affects their lives as a citizen of the Philippines and as a Roman Catholics.
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