"Modernity, unless rooted in genuine humane values, is bound to be dominated by the tyranny of instability and confusion". It was said today by Benedict XVI, in his speech to the bishops of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on their visit "ad limina". The Pope dwelt on the subject of the family. "Along with some exemplary families, there are often others who unfortunately are scarred by the fragility of marital relations, by the plague of abortion and the birth crisis, by carelessness in the transmission of authentic values to their children, the uncertainty of employment, by social mobility that weakens the ties between the generations and by an increasing feeling of inner confusion in young people", he commented. This is why "every church community, rich of its own faith and supported by God’s grace, is called to act as a landmark and to dialogue with the society to which it belongs. The Church, which is a great teacher of life, draws from the law of nature and God’s Word those principles that show the inalienable foundations to build the family, according to the Creator’s plan". Then the Pope urged the bishops not to get tired "of always being the brave defenders of life and family; keep striving for the humane and religious education of engaged couples and young families. This is a highly praiseworthy work that I hope is appreciated and supported by the civil society as well".
