However, let us beware of emphasizing only the dark aspects of the human and cultural image of our continent. In the first place, some societies, perhaps as a result of their difficult external experiences, show remarkable fidelity to their spiritual roots and a strong and vital religiosity, lived both in the family and in the nation, and oriented towards the future. The ways of Providence are inscrutable, and the Spirit constantly works in the secrets of human hearts, drawing them to love the Absolute, justice and peace. There are signs of hope and encouragement, if only we could notice them. How can we not rejoice, for example, to see that so many Christians in many countries of Europe are generously committing their intelligence to this promising undertaking, which we now call the new evangelization? The living faith of these Christians is directed entirely to the work of inculturation of the Gospel, which certainly will bear fruit. The Gospel itself certainly promises us this, as well as already visible signs of success. Europeans, so proud of their freedom, their creative spirit and their sense of participation, possess cultural values which, animated by the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, will accelerate the Church’s encounter with emerging cultures.
(Speech to the participants in the Vatican Symposium, April 21, 1986)
“Do not cease in this good work. Papal Speeches to the John Paul II Foundation”
John Paul II Foundation & Centre for Documentation and Study of the Pontificate of John Paul II, Rome 2012
