P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That the land, culture and all the rights of the indigenous populations of the world may be respected, so that true harmony between them and those among whom they live may be attained.
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Today indigenous populations all over the world are trying to obtain the recognition of their identities and ways of life. However, most of them are encountering grave problems which reflect the need to continue working for the advancement, development and integration of these populations who are usually the poorest group among the poor, the most vulnerable and the most marginalized.
In proposing this month that we pray especially for the indigenous peoples to be respected and to be fully integrated into the societies in which they live, the Holy Father is once more manifesting his evangelical concern for the smallest ones. The Pope is aware of their sufferings and hopes as well as of the value of their traditions and customs and of their special relationship with the earth and creation.
On the basis of the inalienable principle of the dignity of the human person and of the basic unity of humankind, the Pope exhorts us to respect the rights of minorities. Minorities must not be the object of sterile compassion but of fruitful advancement. Every human being must avoid or eliminate all racist attitudes or behaviour towards other people who belong culturally and ethnically to different groups.
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