Democratic Principles Alone Not Enough-Pope

The value of democratic principles alone are not enough to form a solid foundation for a society.

This was the message from Pope Benedict, the 16th to the new Fiji Ambassador to Rome, Pio Bosco Tikoisuva to the Holy See last Thursday.

The Pope told Tikoisuva that the Holy See is always encouraged to see signs of progress towards greater peace and stability and hopes that the steps being taken towards re-establishing a democratically elected government in Fiji, drawing on the talents and energies of all the people, will bear fruit.

The Pope said that democracy on its own is not alone unless it is guided and enlightened by values rooted in the truth about a person.

He said while governments can take responsibility for the political ordering of the state, the Church proclaims her vision of the God-given dignity and rights of a person. The Pope said that it is on this basis, that the Church urges political leaders to ensure that all their people can live in peace and freedom, without fear of discrimination or injustice of any kind.

According to the Pope, the Catholic Church in Fiji is eager to play its part in promoting the respect due to people, especially through commitment to education and charitable activity. He adds that owing to the presence of Christians from different traditions as well as members of the religions, Fiji provides fertile ground for the development of ecumenical initiatives and inter-religious dialogue.
He told Tikoisuva that the Pacific region faces many challenges at this time and he hopes that through regional and global cooperation, an agreement can be reached on a model of sustainable development, capable of ensuring the well being of all while respecting environmental balances, as the beauty of God's creation is especially evident to those who live in the South Pacific.

He said that one of the key principles of the Christian view of social and political organisation is the virtue of solidarity, through which the different elements of society work together to achieve the common good of all.

Pope Benedict the 16th blessed Tikoisuva and assured him all the support he needed and invoked God's blessing on the people of Fiji.