Pope Speaks to Leaders of Other Religions

"Religions offer an attempt to understand the cosmos as coming from and returning to this origin or principle. Christians believe that God has revealed this origin and principle in Jesus"

SYDNEY (Zenit) - Benedict XVI says people of religious faith should show that it is possible to find joy in living simply and being generous with those in need.

This was one of the messages the Pope gave in his address to interreligious leaders Friday in Sydney. The gathering was held in the context of the 23rd World Youth Day, under way through Sunday.

Religions, the Holy Father said, "teach people that authentic service requires sacrifice and self-discipline, which in turn must be cultivated through self-denial, temperance and a moderate use of the world's goods. In this way, men and women are led to regard the environment as a marvel to be pondered and respected rather than a commodity for mere consumption.

"It is incumbent upon religious people to demonstrate that it is possible to find joy in living simply and modestly, generously sharing one's surplus with those suffering from want."

Benedict XVI affirmed that these values are particularly key in the formation of youth, "so often tempted to view life itself as a commodity."

"They also have an aptitude for self-mastery: Indeed, in sports, the creative arts, and in academic studies, they readily welcome it as a challenge," he noted. "Is it not true that when presented with high ideals, many young people are attracted to asceticism and the practice of moral virtue through self-respect and a concern for others? They delight in contemplating the gift of creation and are intrigued by the mystery of the transcendent."

Pointing to another commonality in religions, Benedict XVI mentioned how they "draw constant attention to the wonder of human existence."

"Men and women are endowed with the ability not only to imagine how things might be better, but to invest their energies to make them better," he said. "We are conscious of our unique relationship to the natural realm. If, then, we believe that we are not subject to the laws of the material universe in the same way as the rest of creation, should we not make goodness, compassion, freedom, solidarity, and respect for every individual an essential part of our vision for a more humane future?"

Another contribution of religion is "reminding us of human finitude and weakness," he added.

Christian vision

Benedict XVI affirmed that the Church shares such observations with other religions. Then he focused on the particular vision of Christianity.

"Motivated by charity, [the Church] approaches dialogue believing that the true source of freedom is found in the person of Jesus of Nazareth," he said. "Christians believe it is he who fully discloses the human potential for virtue and goodness, and he who liberates us from sin and darkness. The universality of human experience, which transcends all geographical boundaries and cultural limitations, makes it possible for followers of religions to engage in dialogue so as to grapple with the mystery of life's joys and sufferings.

"In this regard, the Church eagerly seeks opportunities to listen to the spiritual experience of other religions. We could say that all religions aim to penetrate the profound meaning of human existence by linking it to an origin or principle outside itself. Religions offer an attempt to understand the cosmos as coming from and returning to this origin or principle. Christians believe that God has revealed this origin and principle in Jesus, whom the Bible refers to as the 'Alpha and Omega.'"

The Pope concluded affirming that he is in Australia as an "ambassador of peace."

"Our quest for peace goes hand in hand with our search for meaning, for it is in discovering the truth that we find the sure road to peace," he said. "Our effort to bring about reconciliation between peoples springs from, and is directed to, that truth which gives purpose to life. Religion offers peace, but more importantly, it arouses within the human spirit a thirst for truth and a hunger for virtue. May we encourage everyone -- especially the young -- to marvel at the beauty of life, to seek its ultimate meaning, and to strive to realize its sublime potential."