Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale338

the Nations, thereby manifesting its specific character as a subject in the

international domain. As the United Nations recently confirmed, the Holy

See thereby makes its contribution according to the dispositions of interna-

tional law, helps to define that law, and makes appeal to it.

The United Nations remains a privileged setting in which the Church is

committed to contributing her experience ''of humanity'', developed over the

centuries among peoples of every race and culture, and placing it at the

disposal of all members of the international community. This experience

and activity, directed towards attaining freedom for every believer, seeks

also to increase the protection given to the rights of the person. Those rights

are grounded and shaped by the transcendent nature of the person, which

permits men and women to pursue their journey of faith and their search for

God in this world. Recognition of this dimension must be strengthened if we

are to sustain humanity's hope for a better world and if we are to create the

conditions for peace, development, cooperation, and guarantee of rights for

future generations.

In my recent Encyclical, Spe Salvi, I indicated that ''every generation has

the task of engaging anew in the arduous search for the right way to order

human affairs''.5 For Christians, this task is motivated by the hope drawn

from the saving work of Jesus Christ. That is why the Church is happy to be

associated with the activity of this distinguished Organization, charged with

the responsibility of promoting peace and good will throughout the earth.

Dear Friends, I thank you for this opportunity to address you today, and I

promise you of the support of my prayers as you pursue your noble task.

Before I take my leave from this distinguished Assembly, I should like to

offer my greetings, in the official languages, to all the Nations here repre-

sented.

Peace and Prosperity with God's help!

Paix et prospérité, avec l'aide de Dieu!

Paz y prosperidad con la ayuda de Dios!

Thank you very much.

5 No. 25.