Pope encourages Italian bishops to confront secularism, recalls nation’s consecration to Immaculate Heart

November 11, 2009

In a message to Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of Italian Episcopal Conference, Pope Benedict has encouraged the Italian hierarchy to confront “the great questions of the modern age”: “the question concerning the nature of man and his dignity (a decisive element in the complete formation of the person), and the ‘question of God,’ which seems ever more pressing in our own times.”

The Italian bishops are meeting from November 9-12 in Assisi and are discussing education, the Year of Priests, the development of southern Italy, and a new Italian edition of the funeral rites.

Pope Benedict also recalled the fiftieth anniversary of the consecration of Italy to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, thus “confirming the most particular tie of affection and devotion of the Italian people to the heavenly Mother.” The Italian bishops’ conference renewed the consecration of the nation to the Immaculate Heart during a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 20.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Messaggio Del Santo Padre Al Presidente Della Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (Holy See)
• Making God Known In Our World (VIS)
• Rito delle esequie, Chiesa e Mezzogiorno e Caritas in veritate i temi principali (Chiesa Cattolica Italia)