ADDRESS OF PAUL VI
TO THE FOREING MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS*

Sturday, 21 October 1972

Mr. Minister,

We are glad to extend to you our respectful welcome and to express our pleasure at this visit, in which we see an eloquent and sincere sign of the good relations existing between the Holy See and Honduras.

We also appreciate your cordial visit as an indication of the principles and purposes on which your Government desires to base the task of maintaining religious peace in your country, respect the values of Christian and modem civilization and bring about the social progress of the nation, particularly in respect of the poorest, most needy, least educated groups, which hope and require greater help from the whole community.

Your presence offers us the opportunity to confirm to you the high religious aims of the action of the Church which, faithful to her mission, enlightens man and society in the paths of the spirit, discovering and proclaiming the relevance and vitality of Christ’s message today.

In this way the Church offers her disinterested service to the community, opening the hearts of her members to collective problems and impelling them to adhere generously to the common commitment of working for social progress and authentic development. The Christian proves his loyalty to the State by collaborating actively for the good of the Nation, dedicating special attention to the perennial values of the family and the school, in which the citizen’s of tomorrow are formed.

We take advantage of this opportunity to send a greeting to the Authorities of Honduras and affectionate regards to our beloved Honduran sons, whom we willingly bless. Thanking you once more for this visit we ask the Lord to assist Your Excellency in the high mission that has been entrusted to you.

*ORa n.44 p.3.