In his speech to the R.O.A.C.O. members, Benedict XVI wondered "how to face such serious issues that concern not just the Holy Land but also other areas of the Middle East, such as Iran and Iraq". "Our primary and essential duty replied the Pope remains that of persevering in confidently praying the Lord who never deserts His children in their ordeals. Add to that a proactive, brotherly care, able to find ever-new and sometimes unexpected ways to tackle the needs of those peoples". As he thanked R.O.A.C.O for the service they have been rendered since 1968, "by giving voice to the Churches of the different Eastern traditions and the Latin ones of the territories which are under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, by supporting their pastoral, educational and welfare work and by helping them in their most pressing needs", the Pope highlighted "their evangelical inspiration" and "remarkable ecclesial sensitivity that comes from the bond between you and the Successor of Peter" and that in the Middle East translates into their commitment, "although amidst a multitude of difficulties, to bear witness to the gospel of peace and love". As to the pastoral issue, Benedict XVI made an appeal to an "education of the heart" that must protect "the specific profile of the charitable work of the Church".
