Pope Calls for International Action Against Child Abuse

New Philippine Ambassador Presents Letters of Credence

VATICAN CITY, JUL 9, 1996 (VIS) - Henrietta Tambunting De Villa, the Philippine's new ambassador to the Holy See, today presented her Letters of Credence to Pope John Paul, who praised the "faith, resilience and vitality of the Filipino people, who remain undaunted, despite frequent setbacks resulting from natural calamities or connected with economic and social factors."

He commented on Southeast Asia's "period of remarkable growth and development" and stated: "I am confident that every effort will be made to ensure that the benefits derived from such developments are equitably shared by all, and in particular that they be used to help the disadvantaged."

"In your country," the Holy Father observed, "an Asian culture and way of life have met and profoundly assimilated the Christian message and tradition. The values derived from the Gospel inspire Christians ... to foster a more widespread awareness of the fundamental rights which ensue from the inalienable dignity of every human being."

He then spoke of the children in many parts of the world who are abused and exploited, and affirmed that "governments need to intervene strongly ... against those who harm and scandalize the most defenseless among us.

John Paul II highlighted the Church's "essential contribution to the progress" of the Philippines and urged ever greater efforts "to strengthen and protect the family" and to safeguard married life.

And he concluded: "Moreover, today, when the sacredness of all human life from conception to natural death is being obscured in the minds of many, it is most important that demographic and social problems, which call for responsible and effective attention from national and international bodies, not be left open to false and deceptive solutions, opposed to the truth and the good of persons and nations."