Pope says Aboriginal elders must help keep Australian cultures alive

Published: 2006-10-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Aboriginal and indigenous elders must help their communities keep their cultures alive, lead them with wisdom and be witnesses to the wonders of God, Pope Benedict XVI said. In a message to an Oct. 2-7 assembly of indigenous peoples from Australia and New Zealand, the pope focused particularly on the role of the elders and on the dreams of the younger members of the communities. The gathering of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in Alice Springs, Australia, was designed to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to the communities. "Every human community needs and seeks strong, inspiring leaders to guide others into the way of hope," the pope said in the message read at the gathering and released Oct. 9 at the Vatican. In addition to encouraging the community elders to lead wisely, the pope also encouraged the young people to "walk tall" because "Christ is on your side."

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