Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 399

directly affecting the lives of the poor - the faithful, especially the laity,

enjoy broad freedom of activity. No one can claim to speak "officially" in the

name of the entire lay faithful, or of all Catholics, in matters freely open to

discussion.5 On the other hand, all Catholics, and indeed all men and women,

are called to act with purified consciences and generous hearts in resolutely

promoting those values which I have often referred to as "non-negotiable".

Caritas Internationalis, then, is called to work in converting people's hearts in

openness towards all our brothers and sisters, so that everyone, in full respect

for his or her freedom and in the full acceptance of his or her personal

responsibilities, may always and everywhere act for the common good, gen-

erously giving the best of himself or herself in the service of his or her

brothers and sisters, particularly those in greatest need.

It is within this greater horizon, then, and in close collaboration with the

Church's Pastors who are ultimately responsible for her witness of charity,6

that the national Caritas agencies are called to continue their vital witness to

the mystery of God's healing and transforming love made manifest in Jesus

Christ. The same holds true for Caritas Internationalis, which can rest assured

that it will enjoy the assistance and support of the Holy See - particularly

through the competent dicastery, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum - as it

strives to carry out its mission.

Dear friends, as I entrust these thoughts to your reflection, I once more

thank you for your generous efforts in the service of our brothers and sisters

in need. To you, to your co-workers and to all engaged in the vast network

of Catholic charities, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of

strength and peace in the Lord.

5 Cfr. Gaudium et Spes, 43; 88. 6 Cfr. Deus Caritas Est, 32.