” “” ” ” “SIR – 13/09/2007 According to the Pope, "the joint commitment of the Church and society to educate the young to the good" is nowadays "more crucial than ever". A strategic role is played by the family, "the place in which a person learns love and cultivates the virtues of responsibility, generosity and care. Strong families specified Benedict XVI are built on the foundation of strong marriages. Strong societies are built on the foundation of strong families. In fact, all societies should do all they can to promote policies" that will help "the young couples and assist them in accomplishing their wish to set up a family". Hence his wish, that the State "may recognise, respect and support" the "venerable institution" of marriage, and his appreciation for the commitment shown in this respect by the National Council for the Family, which "opens the doors to a closer and closer cooperation between the Church and the State". Finally, a thought for Europe: "The rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Slovakia has great potentials to revive the soul of the Continent". Hence his wish, that the celebrations for the 1150th anniversary of Saints Cyril and Methodius may be an opportunity for "a renewed testimony" of "values that are essential to build a fair and peaceful European Union".” “” “” “
