A successful society is based on spiritual values: Pope Francis
His holiness Pope Francis says spiritual values can influence better development outcomes in the society.
A country with at least 800 languages and thousands of tribal groups, Pope believes Papua New Guinea can be united by strong Christian ethics to attract change in the societies.
“An abundance of material goods is not enough to give birth to a life-giving, serene, hard-working and joyful society, which without a broader spiritual outlook turns in on itself and leads to a dryness of heart,” Pope said when addressing the Pacific Islands leaders at Apec House this morning.
“As a result, society loses its way and forgets the correct hierarchy of values.
“Moreover, this dryness takes away society’s drive to move forward and as happens in some opulent societies, blocks its progress to the extent that it loses hope in the future and can no longer find reasons to pass on life and faith to future generations.
“That is why it is necessary to direct the spirit toward greater realities. Our attitudes and actions must be sustained by an inner strength, which shelters them from the risk of being corrupted or of losing the ability to recognize the value of work and the need to carry it out with dedication and devotion.
“Spiritual values greatly influence the building of the earthly city and all temporal realities.”
He applauded the charity work done by Christian communities in the country and urged them to work together with public institutions for the benefit all Papua New Guineans.
Pope Francis encouraged the believers to maintain their faith as it will contribute to the positive developments of the country.
“For all those who profess to be Christians – the vast majority of your people – I fervently hope that faith will never be reduced just to the observance of rituals and precepts,” he said.
“May it be marked instead by love of Jesus Christ and following him as a disciple. In this way, faith can become a lived culture, inspiring minds and actions and becoming a beacon of light that illuminates the path forward.
“At the same time, faith can also help society as a whole to grow and find good and effective solutions to its greatest challenges.”
Pope delivered his first official speech to the country this morning after being welcomed by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at Government House.
Sir Dadae privately welcomed the leader of the Catholic church prior to meeting state heads, civil society representatives and diplomatic leaders along with Pacific Leaders at Apec House.