To the President of the Congo and to the Nation (5 May 1980)

On Monday, 5 May 1980, the Holy Father addressed the President of the Congo, and the Nation*, observing that the Church is a spiritual institution, distinct from the State. "It is situated beyond temporal homelands, as a community of believers."

Mister President,

1. Upon my arrival in Brazzaville, I was happy, in response to Your Excellency's kind words, to express my very great joy at this visit to the Congolese people, to their leaders and to the Catholic Church which lives in the country. Since the possibility is offered to me again, I would like to renew my feelings of gratitude, and take the opportunity to formulate some thoughts within the framework of the present meeting, a meeting on which I base many hopes.

2. Isn't this the first time in fact that the Pope can speak with the Congolese Head of State, and tell him with simplicity what is most dear to his heart? It is true that, desiring to strengthen their friendly relations, the Holy See and the People's Republic of Congo have established diplomatic relations, and now have accredited representatives whose mission is.

precisely, to promote a permanent dialogue, useful for understanding each other better, and beneficial because it participates in a spirit of loyal cooperation. I personally congratulate myself on having received your Ambassador last week at the Vatican, who from now on will act as the Government's interpreter and will be able, in return, to explain to it the views of the Holy See.

3. But in addition to this usual way of conversing, which we all want to be effective, it seems that direct contact like this brings with it a special ability to develop the serene and constructive climate that should reign between us.

This contact invites mutual respect. It occurs between the managers of two different entities.

The Church is a spiritual institution, even if its expression is also social; it is situated beyond temporal homelands, as a community of believers. The state is an expression of the sovereign self-determination of peoples and nations, and constitutes a normal realization of the social order; it is in this that his moral authority consists[ 1 ]. Being aware of this difference in nature will avoid any confusion and will allow us to proceed with clarity.

It is to recognize the proper character of the Church, which does not belong to a civil or political structure. And it means recognizing the State's right to exercise its authority sovereignly in its territory, and its leaders' responsibility to work for the common good of the populations for whom they are the agents. The very idea of ​​sovereignty, made up of rights and duties, implies political independence and the possibility of deciding destiny autonomously[ 2]. Where better than in Africa should it be remembered? This continent has seen, in twenty years, a large number of nations achieve sovereignty. Taking control of your destiny is a matter of both dignity and justice. The process was sometimes difficult; it is not yet complete everywhere; it also assumes that the people can really participate.

4. Between the Church and the State, therefore, we find here the foundation of mutual esteem, which will result in respect for the proper domain of each, due to their different natures. The State can count on the loyal collaboration of the Church, when it is a question of serving man and contributing to his integral progress. And the Church, in the name of her spiritual mission, asks for her freedom to address consciences as well as the possibility for believers to profess publicly, to nourish and announce their faith. I know, Mr. President, that you have understood this aspiration, which can in no way harm the sovereignty of the State of which you are the guardian... Religious freedom is indeed at the center of respect for all freedoms and all inalienable human rights. It contributes greatly to safeguarding, for the good of all, what is essential to a people as well as to a man, that is to say his soul. It is fortunate that Africans are very attached to it.

5. I spoke a moment ago of human service. This is an objective on which it is possible to discuss. This is an ideal that could be described as common between Church and State. It deserves ever new attention from us. My wish is that the conversations which have already taken place on this point, both at the local level with the responsible pastors of the Church in the Congo and between the authorities of the Republic and the Holy See, will continue in a more frequent and deeper. No doubt they would prove profitable and useful for this great cause.

I respectfully greet you, and I ask the Almighty to assist Your Excellency and the high personalities here present in their service to the Congolese human community.

 [ 1 ] See Address to the Diplomatic Corps to the Holy See, January 12, 1979.

 [ 2 ] See ibid .

*AAS 72 ( ) pp.467-469.

Insegnamenti di Giovanni Paolo II , vol. III, 1 pp. 1150-1152.

L'Osservatore Romano 5-6.5.1980 p.6.

L'Osservatore Romano. Weekly edition in French language n.20 p.13.

© Copyright 1980 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana