Church celebrates Pope's anniversary

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca yesterday thanked Pope Benedict XVI for all his work and invaluable teaching as the leader of the Church on the first anniversary of his pontificate.

The Church yesterday celebrated the Pope's anniversary with a concelebrated Mass by Mgr Mercieca and Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Felix del Blanco Prieto, at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.

Mgr Mercieca thanked God for all that the new Pope had achieved, and with so much commitment over the last year for humanity to recognise the values of the Gospel.

"It is with great zeal that Pope Benedict XVI is carrying out his mission to bring man as close as possible to God and help us grow in our love towards each other," he said.

The most important event in the Pope's first year as leader of the universal Church was the publication of his first encyclical - God is Love - a beautiful and strong document that stands up to the bad use of God's name and against the ambiguity of the word 'love', which is so evident in today's world.

Love is also a commitment towards social progress, which every Christian has to live. The building of social order is not directly the Church's role, but is essentially the role of politicians. Nevertheless, the Church is duty-bound to offer its specific contribution, through the purification of ideas and ethical formation, for the recognition of what is needed to be carried out politically.

Laymen also have a role. They are called to participate directly in public life and have a mission to help social life develop.

It is good when politicians understand, as is expected of them, the benefits that are reaped when they work hand in hand for the highest good of society, Mgr Mercieca said.