Pope Benedict XVI calls for renewed purpose in meeting the challenges facing indigenous Australians

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Pope Benedict XVI has today called for a renewed purpose in meeting the challenges facing Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, in a personal message delivered to an indigenous gathering in Alice Springs.

The Pope’s message was delivered to more than 600 people from Australia and New Zealand, who are gathered in Alice Springs for The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council’s ‘Dreaming from the Heart’ Assembly.

The Assembly commemorated the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s landmark speech to indigenous Australians at Alice Springs in 1986.

Retired Cardinal Edward Cassidy was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Papal Legate to the Gathering and delivered the Pontiff’s message at the closing Mass, this evening.

In his message, Pope Benedict said the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Alice Springs was an occasion for joyful remembrance, but also for looking forward.

“The art of remembrance, exercised within an arch of hope, is not just an occasion of simple recollection,” he said. “It renews purpose.”

Drawing from the Gospel, Pope Benedict noted that every human community needs and seeks strong, inspiring leaders to guide others in the way of hope.

“Much rests therefore upon the example of the Elders of communities. I encourage them to exercise authority wisely through faithfulness to their traditions – songs, stories, paintings, dances – and most especially through a renewed expression of their deep awareness of God, made possible through the Good News of Jesus Christ,” he said.

The Pope also appealed directly to the young people present at the Alice Springs gathering, urging them to “keep alight the flame of hope and walk tall”.

“Don’t allow your ‘dreaming’ to be undermined by the shallow call of those who might lure you into the misuse of alcohol and drugs, as promises of happiness. Such promises are false, and lead only to a circle of misery and entrapment. Instead, I exhort you to foster the encounter with the mystery of God’s spirit active in you and in creation, beckoning you to a life of purpose, service satisfaction and joy.”

Pope Benedict said that much had been achieved along the path to reconciliation, but there was still much to be accomplished.

“I therefore again encourage all Australians to address with compassion and determination the deep underlying causes of the plight which still afflicts so many Aboriginal citizens,” he said. Commitment to truth opens the way to lasting reconciliation through the healing process of asking for forgiveness and granting forgiveness – two indispensable elements for peace.”