Closing Remarks by His Excellency Archbishop Renato R. Martino

 Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I express my deep honour at the presence of our distinguished speakers, as well as my profound gratitude for the expert presentations which they have offered to us this afternoon. Each of them, through the lens of their particular expertise, has enabled us to more clearly understand and appreciate the message of the Holy Father in his historic Address to the United Nations. They have noted not only the important contributions made by the United Nations Organization toward promoting harmony and solidarity among the peoples of the world, but have also honestly acknowledged the vast work yet to be done if the Organization is so serve more effectively in fostering justice and peace.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the many persons responsible for coordinating this high-level seminar, which has been both informative and inspiring. Particularly, I wish to thank the Path to Peace Foundation which has sponsored this event in cooperation with the Holy See Mission, as well as our benefactors who, through their generosity, have enabled the Holy Father's message to resound in these international chambers. I also acknowledge the many competent individuals from United Nations Conference Services, U.N. Security, the Department of Public Information, the Pacem in Terris Society, the U.N. Television and Audio-Visual Production Section, and our very talented interpreters. Each has contributed immensely toward the success of this event. I am grateful for their expertise and generosity which they have demonstrated not only today, but everyday here at Headquarters.

Most especially, I wish to express my thanks to all of you who have attended this seminar. Your presence manifests your appreciation of the Holy Father's message, as well as your commitment to live it in your homes, your workplaces and your neighborhoods. As we end our time together, my wish is that man's inclination toward Truth, which has guided you to this occasion today, may continue to inspire the hearts of individuals and nations around the world, as each day we try to discern that which truly fulfills man. And may the Author of Truth strengthen us to fearlessly commit ourselves in service of that goal, so that at the end of our lives, and at the end of time, He may say to us, individually and collectively: "Well done, good and faithful servant."