It is my hope that inter-religious and ecumenical cooperation will demonstrate that men and women do not have to forsake their identity, whether ethnic or religious, in order to live in harmony with their brothers and sisters. If we are honest in presenting our convictions, we will be able to see more clearly what we hold in common.

Forgiveness is not a result of our efforts, but is a gift. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit who showers us with mercy and grace that pours forth unceasingly from the open heart of Christ crucified and risen.

It's not a problem that we're sinners; it's a problem that we aren't ashamed of our sin and don't seek forgiveness.

The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.

The great danger in today's world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor.

Politics is the most important of the civil activities and has its own field of action, which is not that of religion.

Trade unions have been an essential force for social change, without which a semblance of a decent and humane society is impossible under capitalism.