Pope: By definition, humans are religious beings




November 7, 2012. (Romereports.com) The Pope continued his catechesis on the Year of Faith, by explaining that by definition, people are religious beings. Even though society often tends to discredit the Divine, the Pope explained that as part of their nature, humans seek to connect with God.

BENEDICT XVI
“Thanks to this innate religious sense, we can open our hearts to the gift of faith which draws us ever closer to God, the source of all good and the fulfillment of our deepest desire.”

The Pope explained that despite love and friendship, there is always an inner void...a yearning for something greater and Divine. Benedict XVI said people need to develop liking for higher values.

BENEDICT XVI
“It is necessary to promote a kind of pedagogy of desire. Developing a taste for real satisfactions in life in the continued search for higher values. This does not repress desires, but rather it  purifies and releases it, so it can reach a high depth.”

Before closing, the Pope made a new call for peace in Syria.

He explained that even though he was planning on sending a delegation of Synod Fathers to Syria's capital, the instability in the country, makes traveling basically impossible. But the Pope added that he did send Cardinal Robert Sarah to Lebanon as a special representative. As the president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Sarah will evaluate the refugee situation and offer $1 million to help those affected by the violence.

BENEDICT XVI
“We must do everything we can, before it's too late.”

Among those in attendance was a large group of Polish pilgrims who were greeted by Benedict XVI in their own language.
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