"Even at this time, especially at times of crisis, the Americans keep finding their energy in adhering to this legacy of shared ideals and aspirations", commented the Pontiff, who added: "Now that the Nation has to face ever more complicated political and ethical issues, I confide that the Americans will find in their religious beliefs a valuable source of discernment and an inspiration to pursue a reasonable, responsible and respectful dialogue in the attempt to build a more humane and freer society". Then, the Pope lingered on one of the founding principles of the American State, the "defence of freedom", which "is not just a gift but also an appeal to personal freedom" and, as such, it "calls one to cultivate virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility for those who are less fortunate" and "demands the courage to commit oneself to civil life, bringing one’s religious beliefs and deepest values into the public reasonable debate". In other words, according to Benedict XVI, "freedom is ever new", it is "a challenge to every generation and it must be won every time in furtherance of the cause of the good".
