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ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
TO A DELEGATION
 FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTE OF AUSCHWITZ

Sunday, 16 October 2005

 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cordially greet you and I am delighted to receive today the members of the Auschwitzer Menschenrechts-Institut, (Human Rights Institute of Auschwitz), directed by Cardinal Macharski. I am particularly pleased to award the "John Paul II Prize for [the Promotion of] Human Rights" to Bishop Václav Malý and Prof. Stefan Wilkanowicz.

This prize, which is awarded to outstanding figures who work for human rights in various part of the world, is intended to contribute to calling attention to all those situations in which human dignity is violated and violence and abuse prevail. This appeal is particularly forceful since it is launched by a city that was obliged to experience the terror and suffering of the millions of innocent victims of hatred.

My beloved Predecessor, Pope John Paul II, never tired of vehemently condemning injustices, inequalities and the material and moral privations suffered by individuals and entire peoples. This is why the Prize is named after him.

The Holy Father then said in Polish: 

I offer you my cordial greeting. To the prize winners, my sincere congratulations. I bless you all from my heart.

 

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