Pope: Catholic laity must show world faith not opposed to freedom

Published: 2008-05-05

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholic laypeople are called to study their faith, live it and show the world that faith is not opposed to intelligence or freedom and that it is a powerful force for good in the world, Pope Benedict XVI said. Addressing nearly 150,000 people gathered in and around St. Peter's Square for the 140th anniversary of Italian Catholic Action May 4, the pope said that by focusing on "contemplation, communion and mission" the parish-based organization helps laypeople fulfill their vocation in the world. Pope Benedict told the members that the importance of Catholic Action, which formed generations of Italian Catholic politicians and social activists, had not outlived its mission. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and fidelity to church teaching, he said, Catholic Action members are called to find "ever new syntheses between proclaiming salvation in Christ to people of our age and promoting the integral good of the person and the entire human family."

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