ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI
TO THE FIRST AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN
TO THE HOLY SEE*

Thursday, 24 February 1966

Mister Ambassador,

Gladly implementing the elevation of Our Representation in Karachi, and of the Representation of the Republic of Pakistan to this Holy See, We welcome Your Excellency most cordially as first Ambassador of your noble Nation, and express warm good wishes for the success of your mission.

Our thoughts turn often to the great country which you represent, especially in these sad days, when the distress and suffering caused by famine attract the sincere sympathy of Our paternal heart. We have contributed as far as was in Our power, to alleviate the pangs of hunger, and We pray that the Almighty may mercifully grant the means of saving many lives and averting great suffering.

The relief of the starving, and the accumulation of food for the future, require that tranquillity of order which is peace. Our fervent petition to the Creator and Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth is, that peace may be established and maintained in justice and love among all nations; so that the resources otherwise wasted in death and destruction may be dedicated to the relief of the poor and assistance to the hungry.

We ask Your Excellency kindly to convey to the President of Pakistan, to the Government and people of your country, Our respectful greetings and good wishes; and upon you and them, with all Our heart. We invoke the choicest favours of Heaven.

*AAS 58 (1966), p.232.
Insegnamenti di Paolo VI, vol. IV, p. 93.
L’Attività della Santa Sede 1966, p. 101-102.
L'Osservatore Romano 25.2.1966, p. 1.