VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI in the United States of America - “I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society.”

Vatican City (Agenzia City) - “I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society... As I begin my visit, I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States, and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute ever more responsibly to the life of this nation, of which they are proud to be citizens.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, in the welcoming ceremony that was held at the White House in Washington, DC, on the morning of April 16, his 81st birthday.
After having thanked President Bush for his invitation and words of welcome, the Holy Father recalled that “From the dawn of the Republic, America’s quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator... The course of American history demonstrates the difficulties, the struggles, and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these noble principles... In our time too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideals and aspirations.”
The Pope then spoke of the itinerary of his trip, during which he will meet “not only with America’s Catholic community, but with other Christian communities and representatives of the many religious traditions present in this country, pointing out the fact that, “not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard.” He then expressed his hope that, as they face the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, the American people may find in their religious beliefs “a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more humane and free society.”
Reflecting on the meaning of freedom, Benedict XVI pointed out that, “Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility,” as is shown in the great number of people who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom. “The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate,” the Pope said. “It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good.” “The Church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God... convinced that faith sheds new light on all things, and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman.”
At the close of his address, the Pontiff made reference to his scheduled visit to the United Nations Organization, “where I hope to encourage the efforts under way to make that institution an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world’s peoples. On this, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity - as brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God’s bounty has set for all his children.” Benedict XVI also recalled America’s generosity “in meeting immediate human needs,” expressing his confidence “that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 17/4/2008; righe 51, parole 687)