Pope says colonization brought injustices, opened way for Gospel

Published: 2007-05-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said the colonization of the Americas brought injustices and sufferings to the native peoples, but it also opened the way to the proclamation of the Gospel and a unique "dialogue of faith and culture." The pope used his May 23 general audience to review what he called his "unforgettable" May 9-13 visit to Brazil. With the sun beating down on St. Peter's Square, before going to greet people in the crowd, the pope donned a "galero," a wide-brimmed red straw hat. "My trip first of all had the value of being an act of praise to God for the marvels worked among the peoples of Latin America, for the faith that has animated their lives and cultures for more than 500 years," he said. The pope said the Catholic faith has and continues to be part of the living history of the Latin American peoples as seen in their "popular piety and art in dialogue with the rich pre-Columbian traditions and then with the multiple influences of Europe and the other continents."

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .