Pope praises pontifical mission societies as 'authentic missionaries'

Published: 2004-05-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said the pontifical mission societies represent a solid point of reference for those searching for truth in a troubled world. "You offer a message of love and hope" as "you help bring the good news to the ends of the earth," he said May 11 in an audience address to heads of the four pontifical mission societies. "In these tumultuous times that humanity is living, the pontifical missionary societies ... represent a reliable reference for those who are seeking the truth which saves," the pope said. Because their message is one of hope, "you must pay special attention to the people of the world where their suffering is greater and their needs are more acute: the people of the so-called Third World," he said. Some 117 national directors of the world's pontifical mission societies met with the pope at the Vatican May 11 during their May 6-14 general assembly in Rome.

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