” “Secularization, family crisis, liturgy, reconciliation sacrament, priests/laymen relationship, vocations, and ecumenism: it was a complete reflection the one made by Pope Benedict XVI this morning, addressed to the Swiss bishops received in hearing by the Vatican. The meeting with the Pope and a few representatives of the Curia (until 9 November) is the conclusion of the ad limina visit of the Swiss bishops in February 2005 which was not concluded owing to the hospitalization of John Paul II at Policlinico Gemelli. On thanking the outgoing bishop president, Msgr. Amédée Grab, and the new elected, Msgr. Kurt Koch, who is going to take office next January, Benedict XVI took into consideration the secularization characterizing Switzerland, leading to the “diminishment in the sacrament frequency” and to “the questioning of moral values”. As a consequence, there are “the deep crisis of marriage and family”, increases in divorces and abortions, and in unions between people of the same sex: “a clear sign of dechristianization”, said the Pope. “In a society like this, – he went on, – your bishop voice is necessary more than ever before”. And he admonished: “unity and unanimity are needed among you, in relation to assuming the necessary stances on theological and moral questions”. (To be followed) ” “
