Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Punta Arenas (Agenzia Fides) – Monte Aymond, on the Patagonian border between Chile and Argentina, was the site chosen for both countries to make their official commitment to continue defending peace, this past December 5, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Pontifical Mediation (see Fides 4/12/2008). In the ceremony, which was led by the Presidents of the two nations, Michelle Bachelet and Christina Fernandez, and by the special envoy sent by the Holy Father, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Archbishop of Sao Paulo (Brazil), they held a fraternal act of the exchange of banners of the peace force “Cruz del Sur” (South Cross). Later, both Presidents, accompanied by Cardinal Scherer, unveiled a plaque of the first stone of the monument to be built on the border between the two countries, in memory of the 30th anniversary of the Pontifical Mediation. It was then blessed by the Cardinal.
Cardinal Scherer read a message sent by the Holy Father Benedict XVI, on this anniversary recalling “those early days of December 1978, when the leaders of these two beloved nations had arrived at the conclusion that every possibility of reaching an agreement had been tried in the effort to end their controversy.” However, John Paul II “led by his special sensibility for applying his mission received from the Prince of Peace, felt the need to offer another special intervention of his own, of a more personal character.” He then recalled how the Pope sent Cardinal Antonio Samore, who “Providentially deterred the war and, as a result of his faithful and generous mission, led the way to the signing of the Montevideo Accords, in Palacio Taranco, on January 8, 1979.
The Holy Father thus showed his gratitude and joy at this special celebration carried out by the two Presidents of these countries, who “are grateful for the work of my Predecessor, who was so distinguished in his long papacy for his promotion of harmony between peoples.”
The Holy Father continued: “This successful event, which came as a pleasant surprise to the world, is an example of how, in the face of any controversy, we should never give up on the path of patient dialogue and talks carried out in wisdom and prudence, in order to reach a just and dignified solution through pacific means which is characteristic of civilized peoples, especially when its members know that they are brothers and children of one same God and Father.”
The experience of so many failed attempts at dialogue that have had serious consequences “help us to discover the horrors that the Pontifical Mediation has on the Argentinean and Chilean peoples, as well as on other nations in the region.” “The reality today,” the Pope said, “with the abundance of positive results of mutual collaboration between the two countries, which is an exemplary and undeniable testimony of the fruits of peace, all began taking shape thirty years ago.”
In the morning, the Papal Envoy, Cardinal Odilio Scherer, presided a Mass in the Cathedral of Punta Arenas, in commemoration of the 30th anniversary. The Prelate conveyed the greetings of the Holy Father Benedict XVI and mentioned the “Holy Father's deep esteem for these two country, as well as for their people.” After congratulating this celebration “of peace and friendship between two peoples,” he mentioned that the act would be “a sign and testimony that the objective of the mediation effort had been reached,” and he asked that these bilateral relations become “increasingly stronger.” The Cardinal also recalled the work carried out by Cardinal Antonio Samore, who was a “patient and untiring negotiator” and explained how the juridical format of the mediation was based on “justice, friendship, and the development of peoples.”
Also present in the ceremony was the representative of the Chilean Bishops' Conference, Emeritus Bishop Javier Prado of Rancagua; the Apostolic Nuncio to Chile, Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto; the Apostolic Nuncio to Argentina, Archbishop Adriano Bernardini; Bishop Juan Carlos Romanin of Rio Gallegos; Vicar General of Punta Arenas, Monsignor Fredy Subiabre. The highest-ranking officials of the armed forces of Argentina and Chile also attended, in addition to the leaders of Chile's political parties; judges, diplomats, and collaborators who participated in the Mediation process. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2008)
