Don't be deterred by trials, walk in footsteps of Christ: Pope tells Indian bishops

Catholic bishops visiting Rome this week were counselled to not be deterred by trials but to take into account the challenges that the missionary nature of the Church entails.

"You must always be prepared to spread the Kingdom of God and to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who was Himself misunderstood, despised, falsely accused and who suffered for the sake of truth," Pope Benedict XVI told the bishops who were on their "ad limina" visit.

Mainly from the provinces of Agra, New Delhi and Bhopal, the bishops were urged to not be deterred when trials arise, but to press forward in the belief of Christ's resurrection that "gives us confidence and courage to face all that may come".

In his remarks on Monday, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the prelates to carry forward the Church's efforts to promote the well-being of Indian society through continued attention to the promotion of basic rights.

"I pray that the followers of Christ in India will continue to be promoters of justice, bearers of peace, people of respectful dialogue, and lovers of the truth about God and about man," he said.

Speaking in English, the head of the Catholic Church further praised the Church in India for proclaiming its faith and love to society at large, and putting these into action through a concern for all people.

In particular, the Catholic Church, he said is the friend of the poor. "Like Christ, she welcomes without exception all who approach her to hear the divine message of peace, hope and salvation."

He also underscored the need for clergy and religious to be attentive to the diverse linguistic, cultural and economic circumstances of those whom they serve.