VATICAN - Benedict XVI tells the Bishops of Iran on their Ad limina visit: “The road before you is long and requires perseverance and patience. The example of God, patient and merciful with His people, will serve you as a model and help you find the space necessary for dialogue.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “You are the ordinaries of the Armenian, Chaldean and Latin Churches. Therefore, dear brothers, you represent the richness of unity in the diversity that exists in the bosom of the Catholic Church, to which you bear daily witness in the Islamic Republic of Iran...Today, as in the past, the Catholic Church never ceases to give encouragement to those concerned for the common good and peace among nations. For its part neither will Iran, a bridge between the Middle East and sub-continental Asia, cease to fulfill this vocation.” With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI addressed the Bishops of Iran, whom he received in an audience on January 16, for their Ad limina apostolorum visit.
The Pope expressed his gratitude for the service carried out by the Bishops “in a land with a very ancient Christian presence,” manifesting his appreciation towards the priests and religious of the area as well: “I know how much your presence is needed and how much spiritual and human assistance you offer the faithful, through your direct and daily contact, which is valuable and offers a beautiful testimony to all.” Speaking more specifically, the Pope mentioned their care for the elderly and the aid offered to the various social categories, especially those most in need. He also mentioned the collaboration of the Catholic Church, through Caritas in particular, in rebuilding work in the region of Bam, recently struck by an earthquake. “Nor do I wish to forget the Catholic faithful", he said, "whose presence in the land of their ancestors brings to mind the biblical image of the yeast in the dough, which makes the bread rise and gives it flavor and texture. Through you, dear brothers, I wish to thank them all for their constancy and perseverance and encourage them to continue steadfast in the faith of their fathers and to remain rooted in their land, so as to collaborate in the development of the nation.”
Benedict XVI then exhorted the different communities “to develop harmonious relations with public institutions which, with the grace of God, will certainly become more profound and enable those communities better to carry out their ecclesial mission, while upholding mutual respect and for the good of all.” He then encouraged them to promote a greater awareness through two paths: “cultural dialogue, which is the centuries-old richness of Iran, and charity. The latter enlightens the former and serves as its source of strength.”
The Pope then offered special encouragement for the local vocations, so needed in the spiritual growth of the faithful. “The difficult mission of the priests and religious leads them to have to travel long distances to reach the various Christian communities spread across the country. In order to help alleviate this concrete difficulty and others, there is a need to establish a bilateral commission with the authorities - which is already at the planning stage - so as to enable the improvement of relations and mutual understanding between the Republic of Iran and the Catholic Church.”
In the conclusive part of his address, the Pope mentioned another aspect of daily life: “At times, the Christians of your communities go beyond their own frontiers in search of more favorable possibilities for their professional lives and the education of their children. This legitimate desire is present among inhabitants of many countries and is linked to the human condition that always seeks a better future. This situation leads you, as shepherds of your flock, to give particular help to the faithful who live in Iran, inviting them to remain in contact with relatives who have chosen a different destiny, that they may maintain their identity and their ancestral faith. The road before you is long and requires perseverance and patience. The example of God, patient and merciful with His people, will serve you as a model and help you find the space necessary for dialogue.”
“Your Churches are heirs to a noble tradition and to a long Christian presence in Iran", Pope Benedict concluded. "They have, each it its own way, contributed to the life and development of the nation, and they wish to continue their efforts in the service of Iran, while conserving their own identity and freely living their faith. I do not forget to pray for your country and for the Catholic communities present in that land and I ask God to bless them and assist them.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 19/1/2009)