Provided there is a future

A condemnation of “the prevailing relativistic approach in international gatherings” was pronounced on January 21 by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco , archbishop of Genoa and President of Italy’s Bishops Conference (Cei) in the welcoming address to the Permanent Council of bishops, under way in Rome until January 24. Cardinal Bagnasco highlighted “one of the most conspicuous contradictions of international politics: on the one side -in the face of all political regimes – just priority is given to fundamental human rights, on the other, these same rights are unscrupulously denied for instrumental reasons which benefit campaigns marked by material interests or ideological pressures”. In his prolusion, the prelate said there is “concern for the future” along with a “the sense of fatal decline” characterizing Italy. He did however highlight also “the countless good deeds which are developing throughout the Country”. Family, the protection of life, abortion, industrial security, the issue of garbage waste in Campania, the fight against the mafia and the 60th anniversary of the Italian Constitution are the major topics addressed by the President of the Bishops Conference who also spoke at length of the new European Treaty. Exceptional audience. On behalf of all Italian bishops, Cardinal Bagnasco renewed to Benedict XVI his “unconditional and cordial support” along with “effective and affective communion”, a few days after “the serious episode of intolerance” which led the Pope to call off his visit to Rome’s ‘La Sapienza’ University “so as not to foment, not even indirectly, tensions created by others”. However, the Cardinal pointed out, the Pope’s “forced absence at the meeting turned into a presence which lasted longer than expected” since “the important address” of the Pope, “read out at ‘La Sapienza’” and “published by a number of newspapers”, reached an “exceptionally large audience”. Italy and Europe . Cardinal Bagnasco made reference to the second encyclical of Benedict XVI Spes salvi, describing its “ accurate reasoning whereby elements of history, philosophy and theology are employed to uncover the yearning for a good and happy life that is present in the heart of all men at all times”. He reminded that “the Church doesn’t want and doesn’t seek power”. Instead, “it intends to help the Country resume its path and recover faith in its potentialities to share a common horizon”. The Cardinal assented to “this chaotic but vital culture which also the Church is a part of” and he reiterated his “‘yes’ to life, to the individual, to justice, to progress, to creation” confirming also his “‘yes’ to Italy, to its future and to its vocation in the heart of Europe and amongst peoples”. Protection of the family . The Church reaffirms its support “to the family founded on marriage between man and woman” and its “opposition to regulating de facto unions” and “putting on the same level sexual orientation and sexual difference”. “By granting rights and privileges to people living together”, the Cardinal explained, ” the rights and privileges of spouses are stripped from their true nature which pertains to the institution of marriage”, while “initiatives such as rapid divorces “could affect mentality and customs leading to irresponsibile attitudes”. This problem doesn’t only involve Italy. Concerns over the future of the family, the prelate recalled, were put forward “during the meeting of the Presidents of Europe’s Bishops Conferences held past October in Fatima”. During the meeting it was clearly stated that the weakening of the family would jeopardize the future of Europe”. For this reason, declared the CEI President, “significant initiatives such as our Family Day ought to be implemented across the national borders. This initiative was not perceived nor intended as a threat, but rather as the indication of the path to be undertaken”. The Treaty of Lisbon . “As relates to the European Union”, Cardinal Bagnasco remarked, “we cannot but appreciate the result of the recent Lisbon summit where the European Treaty was solemnly signed, and which includes the Charter of the Rights of citizens. While we are awaiting the necessary ratifications on the part of the single States – he added -. We can only wish that these documents are not interpreted in a narrow or instrumental way following the drastic logic of exclusive individual rights”. The President of Italy’s Bishops sustained the need “to guarantee the respect for specific cultural identities and traditions of Member States which fully complies with the principle of subsidiarity and falls within the scope of the European Union”.