VATICAN - Benedict XVI addresses new Ambassador of Serbia: “with regard to the current crisis in Kosovo, I call upon all interested parties to act with prudence and moderation, and to seek solutions that favor mutual respect and reconciliation.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI received the credential letters of Vladeta Jankovic, Serbia's new ambassador to the Holy See, in an audience on February 21. In his address, the Pope called to mind that, “the Holy See greatly values its diplomatic links with Serbia, and hopes thereby to offer encouragement to the continuing efforts to build a future of peace, prosperity, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence throughout the region... Few countries in the continent of Europe escaped the ravages of war in the last century, and all can learn from the lessons of the recent past. As you work towards a more secure future, it is vital to remember that the identity and the rich cultural tradition of your nation, as of all European nations, is deeply rooted in the heritage of Christian faith and the Gospel of love.”
The Holy Father continued: “If we choose to live by the values drawn from our Christian roots we discover the courage to forgive and to accept forgiveness, to be reconciled with our neighbors, and to build together a civilization of love in which all are accepted and respected. I know how deeply the Serb people have suffered in the course of recent conflicts and I wish to express my heartfelt concern for them and for the other Balkan nations affected by the sad events of the last decade. The Holy See shares your earnest desire that the peace which has been achieved will bring lasting stability to the region. In particular, with regard to the current crisis in Kosovo, I call upon all interested parties to act with prudence and moderation, and to seek solutions that favor mutual respect and reconciliation.”
Benedict XVI expressed his joy “for the progress in relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Christians,” hoping “that these positive developments will continue to bear fruit.” “Serbia's geographical situation, on the border between Eastern and Western Christianity, offers a unique opportunity to promote ecumenical dialogue, while its familiarity with Islam, both through its encounter with the Ottoman Empire and through the presence of many Muslims in the region today, opens up rich possibilities for progress in inter-religious dialogue. Both of these processes are of the utmost importance in establishing greater mutual understanding and respect between peoples and nations in the modern world.”
Lastly, the Pontiff expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by Serbia in recent years to guarantee freedom of religion, the restitution of properties that had been appropriated by the Yugoslavian Federation, to Churches and religious communities, and the introduction of religious teaching in schools. “I pray that this openness to religious values in society will continue to grow, so that public debate may be truly nourished by the principles derived from faith.... Without the nourishment that comes from living faith, culture is deeply impoverished and prospects for a truly humane civilization rapidly recede.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/2/2008; righe 38, parole 480)