174 Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale

complex political and ethical questions. As many voices in your nation have

pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be

outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good. In

this way they will help preserve the rich human and natural resources with

which God has blessed this country. Thus will they be able to marshall the

moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on

to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace.

Essential to the attainment of these national goals is the moral imper-

ative of ensuring social justice and respect for human dignity. The great

biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the

poor. It bids us break the bonds of injustice and oppression which give

rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social inequalities. Reforming the

social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor

first requires a conversion of mind and heart. The Bishops of the Philip-

pines have asked that this year be set aside as the « Year of the Poor ». I

hope that this prophetic summons will challenge everyone, at all levels of

society, to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from

the poor. May it also inspired concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of

every man and woman and child in the life of the community. A fundamen-

tal role in the renewal of society is played, of course, by the family and

especially by young people. A highlight of my visit will be my meetings

with families and with young people here in Manila. Families have an in-

dispensable mission in society. It is in the family that children are trained

in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others. But like all

God's gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our

support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve

and defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity

of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience and religious

freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that

of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm. For this

reason, families and local communities must be encouraged and assisted

in their efforts to transmit to our young the values and the vision which

can help bring about a culture of integrity - one which honors goodness,

truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the moral

glue which holds society together.