Peña Barra: The new embassy in Dili, a sign of the Pope’s interest

Francesca Sabatinelli – Vatican

The hope is that the new Papal Ambassador will be a tangible gesture of the interest and concern that the Pontiffs have always had for the people of East Timor and the faithful, as well as a demonstration of Pope Francis’ concern for local Catholicism. the church. To serve as encouragement and renewal for all believers. Monsignor Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for Public Affairs Minister of State for the Holy See, welcomed those present today in Dili at the inauguration of the new diplomatic mission, including President Ramos Horta, winner of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize.

Peña Parra noted that the new building, an entirely ecological building “according to the teachings of Pope Francis in his Encyclical Laudato sì”, represented a “desired architectural harmony” as evidence of the optimal relations between the Holy See and the Holy See. Democratic Republic of East Timor. The inauguration comes “in the year that marks the twentieth anniversary of the country’s independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations,” as attesting to the significant progress achieved so far between the two countries, thanks to the implementation of the relevant 2015 agreement, Peña Parra noted, to “different aspects of the life and service of the Catholic Church in the country.” “, where for more than 500 years the Catholic faith has been a source of strength and solace to the population, both in good and in bad times.”

The Abu Dhabi Document is a beacon for youth

A fact witnessed by Pope Francis himself by appointing the Archbishop of delle Virgilio do Carmo da Silva as Cardinal, the first in the nation’s history. The alternative then highlighted with satisfaction the Parliament’s decision to adopt the Declaration of Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by Francis and the Good Imam of Al-Azhar, which will direct its content included in the school curricula “to young people in their desire to be good citizens not only of this country, But also in the world, “for only” by recognizing the intrinsic dignity of all people can we achieve true reconciliation and peace over the wounds of the past and create and prosper society for future generations.

Monsignor Peña Barra in East Timor

The element of salt, preservatives and brothers

Peña Barra also pointed out yesterday the importance of training future generations, speaking at the Timurid Catholic University, during a conference dedicated to the Abu Dhabi Declaration, where the alternative contributed with elements of reflection on the importance of the document “in the context of interfaith dialogue and in the life” of East Timor. Pina Parra, referring to the Eucharistic celebration of John Paul II in 1989 in Tasi Tolo Square, emphasized the famous discourse on the “salt of the earth”, repeating its dual function: to give flavor and preserve. Hence the importance of salt as a symbol of brotherhood, as well as the example given by the people of East Timor who, according to the alternative, “are not only reconciled, but reconciled.” “The flavor of brotherhood,” which is “an indispensable condition for achieving peace,” as stated in the Abu Dhabi Document.

Interfaith dialogue is an urgent service to humanity

Salt, then, as a flavor for brotherhood, and as a preservative for coexistence, and also thanks to education and education. For this reason, the decision of Parliament and the State of East Timor to adopt the Abu Dhabi Document in the curricula of primary and secondary schools and universities, according to Pina Bara, acquires greater historical significance, precisely, just like the preserved salt. food, it is possible to preserve what has been learned “to form an increasingly mature conscience.” “Inter-religious dialogue,” the alternative’s conclusion, was “a precious salt for flavoring and preserving fraternity” which, as Pope Francis pointed out, “is no longer just an opportunity, but an urgent and indispensable service to humanity.”

Monsignor Peña Barra in East Timor