Pope encourages Paraguay to promote values strengthening democracy

Published: 2003-12-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Welcoming Paraguay's new ambassador to the Vatican, Pope John Paul II encouraged the nation's new president to solidify democracy and improve education, including civic and moral values. "It is necessary to dedicate special care to education in true moral and spiritual values, promoting an authentic political culture that defends and consolidates them," the pope said Dec. 9 in his message to Marcos Martinez Mendieta, the new ambassador. The ambassador was appointed by President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, who formally took office in August, promising to consolidate the democracy enshrined in the 1992 constitution after more than three decades of dictatorial and military rule.

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