” “"Charity is not for the Church a sort of social work that can be left to others, but it belongs to its very nature, it is the expression of its essence, which it cannot give up": this was repeated today by Benedict XVI, as he quoted a passage from his encyclical "Deus Caritas est" when he received in audience the members of "Pro Petri Sede" and "Etrennes pontificales", two associations that donate every year to the Pope the money raised for the poorest Christian communities. "As early as the time of the Apostles recalled the Pope the members of the young Christian community used to ‘share everything’, and Saint Paul was in charge of organising, in each community that he founded, this money raising service for the other Churches". "You are aware of the huge need for solidarity he added later as he thanked the two associations for the yearly donation -, for our brothers to be respected in their fundamental dignity, that they may be fed, sheltered and educated".” “
