Tribute to St. Pope John Paul II and St Pope John XXIII
It will be recalled that on Sunday 27th April, 2014, our world was able to witness live the canonisation to Sainthood of two 20th century Popes by his Holiness Pope Francis I, at the Vatican.
Today we have the honour to pay Special Tribute to our two Saints whose extraordinary lives were influenced by events of that century and whose great deeds will always hold a special place in our hearts and mind… essential elements and indispensable Values for the proper discharge of our duties and responsibilities as humans, for the benefit of All in the 21st Century and beyond.
Almost two decades ago, in his Address to the 50th Session of the United Nations on 5th October 1995, in which I had the privilege to participate, St Pope John Paul II spoke candidly at length on the Hope of a better future for Human Society. He saw the need for a Common Human Patrimony when taking into consideration: – The Risk For Freedom; The Rights Of Nations; Respect Of Differences; Moral Truth And our Civilisation.
And today it is both timely and appropriate that we showcase his Vision on the “Role of the United Nations and the Future of Freedom” and on how to overcome “our fear of the future”.
This is being done at a time when there is far too much turmoil, uncertainty and insecurity in every corner of our globe whereby there is now an urgent need for our Family of Nations to transform itself into a “Community based on mutual trust, mutual support and sincere respect” for the sake of Mankind.
Thus, let our Recognition and Respect for their Vision and Mission be of much use for our ongoing Value enhancement process, and equally important in Seychelles’ quest for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nation Security Council in 2016, especially in the subsequent discharge of our related duties and responsibilities should the candidature be successful.
Through “Unity of Purpose”, we thank and pray for his Holiness Pope Francis for his much active, ongoing Good Deeds for the benefit of Humanity.
Our journey continues…