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Gospel is not utopia and ideology, but larger force that transforms the world, says Pope

VATICAN ( ACI / EWTN News )

At a meeting yesterday with representatives from the world of culture, art and economics in the Health Basilica in Venice (Italy), Pope Benedict XVI stressed that the Gospel is not a utopia or an ideology but the strength of larger transformation in the world.

The Pope offered some reflections on three words "are evocative metaphors: three words linked to Venice and, in particular, to where we are: the first is 'water', the second is' \u200b\u200bhealth ', and the third is' serene'. "

Commenting the fact that Venice is" City of Water ", Benedict XVI made a proposal:" Venice as a city not 'liquid 'but as a city' of life and beauty '. "

" It is a choice between a city' liquid ', home to a culture that increasingly resembles that of the relative and ephemeral, and a city that constantly renews its beauty, drinking from charitable sources of art, knowledge, relationships between men and between peoples ".

Referring then to the second word 'health', explained that" the 'health' is a really all-inclusive, comprehensive, that is the 'be good' that allows us to live serenely a study day and work, or vacation, to the 'salus animae', the health of the soul, which depends our eternal destiny. "

" Jesus revealed that God loves life and wants to release it from any denial, to the most radical that is spiritual evil, sin, root poison that contaminates everything. So Jesus himself can be called 'Health' of man '. "

"Jesus saves man immerses you in the pure and vivifying power which frees man from his 'paralysis' physical, mental and spiritual healing as the hardness of heart, self-centered and narrow-mindedness makes it taste the possibility of being true to himself, lost the love of God and neighbor. "

Finally, the third word "serene", the name of the Venetian Republic, which "tells of a civilization of peace based on mutual respect, mutual understanding and friendly relations" . The Pope said: "Venice has a long history and a rich human, spiritual and artistic to be able to now also offer a valuable contribution and help people to believe in a better future and strive to build it. "

" But this should not be afraid of another emblematic element contained in the coat of San Marcos: the Gospel. The Gospel is the greatest force for transforming the world, but is not a utopia or an ideology. "

taking leave, the Pope greeted the Jewish community of Venice, Muslims living in this city, and finally the Church "pilgrim here and all the dioceses of Triveneto."

later Benedict XVI blessed the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, newly renovated and opened premises of the Library of the "Studium Generale Marcianum."

From Patriarchal Seminary Headquarters departed by boat to Marco Polo Airport in Tessera, where he flew back to Rome. Ciampino Airport flew by helicopter to the Vatican.