Teach prayer, fidelity, chastity, Pope urges bishops of Tanzania
April 07, 2014
Meeting on April 7 with a group of bishops from Tanzania who were concluding their ad limina visits to Rome, Pope Francis said that Church leaders in Africa should “foster the missionary imperative” among clergy, religious, and lay people alike.
The Church bears concrete witness to the Gospel, the Pope said, by working with the sick—especially those with AIDS—and with the poor, especially “destitute women and children.” He paid special tribute to those “who strive diligently to educate people in the area of sexual responsibility and chastity.” The Pope remarked:
By promoting prayer, marital fidelity, monogamy, purity and humble service of one another within families, the Church continues to make an invaluable contribution to the social welfare of Tanzania.
Pope Francis asked the bishops to ensure that catechists are fully formed in the faith, with a full grasp of Church teachings, so that they are prepared to meet “the challenges of superstition, aggressive sects, and secularism.”
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Further information:
- To the Bishops of Tanzania: Your Example Inspires Those Who Long for Peace (VIS)
- Pope speaks to Tanzania’s bishops on evangelization, clergy, lay, family and religious freedom (Vatican Radio)
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