The Pope is aware that the Bishops and the people of Sudan long for Peace and reminded the Catholic leaders that the source of their apostolic ministry is the Gospel.
Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwot of Khartoum wrote in a statement to SCR News that Pope Benedict appreciates what the Church in Sudan does in assisting poor people to live in dignity and self-respect helping them find long term work and enabling them to make their proper contribution to the society.Bishop Adewot added that the Holy Father touched on the question of the Catholic Education encouraging the Bishops to dedicate their energy to strengthen their commitment to prepare lay people in particular to bear witness to Christ in every aspect of family, social and political life.
Pope Benedict mentioned St. Mary University in Juba as a venue for formation for cadres to engage in society.
Bishop Adwok underlined that the Holy Father spoke to the Bishops on the importance of interreligious dialogue to focus more on the values that Christian share in common with Muslims as being the true basis for “Dialogue of life”.
He added that this is the essential first step towards genuine interreligious respect and understanding.