Réligion of Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Source: Journal du Cameroun

The clergy should live in accordance to the Gospel- Pope Francis

The Bishops of Cameroon were granted Saturday, at the end of their "ad limina" visit to the Vatican to meet Pope François.

He has issued a message for then on the rise of sects, cohabitation with Muslims or issues of good governance, "it is essential that the clergy make the testimony of a life inhabited by the Lord, consistent with the requirements and the principles of the Gospel" said the Pope on Saturday in a speech delivered to the Bishops of Cameroon who had completed their ad limina visit to Rome.

Welcoming the "apostolic zeal" of priests working in "difficult and precarious conditions", the Pope asked the bishops to be vigilant in the accompaniment of vocations, many in Cameroon, and support the training of priests for which they must be "attentive fathers." In a world that is secularized, training is essential to be able to answer the questions.

According to him, the temptations are many: power, honor, silver etc Francis warned ' the testimony that could be given through a mismanagement of property, personal enrichment or waste. It would be "particularly outrageous in a region where many lack the necessary".

The civil authorities of Cameroon enjoy educational, health and charity of the Church work. There is great opportunity in a 'fruitful collaboration '.

The recent legal recognition of many ecclesial institutions will give them "greater radiation" for the benefit of the society as a whole. For the Pope, there is an "intimate connection" between evangelization and human promotion. There is the need to persevere in the protection of weak.

"Your evangelizing action will be made even more efficient that the Gospel will be actually lived by those who received it and profess it. Testify courageously and joyously faith in an exemplary life, showing the power of God's love can transform and brighten the lives of the men is the way to attract to Christ those who don't know him yet".

Finally, Francis invited them to develop "dialogue of life" with the many Muslims in some dioceses to "preserve the peaceful coexistence and discourage the development of violence against Christians in some parts of the continent."