The Pope evokes Cyril and Methodius, and says:

In an uncertain and turbulent world such as our own, Europe can become a witness and messenger of the vital dialogue between cultures and religions. The history of the old continent, deeply marked by divisions and fratricidal wars but also by efforts to overcome them, invites Europe to undertake this mission in order to respond to the hopes of so many men and women who still aspire, in many countries of the world, to development, democracy and religious freedom."

"The Holy See … does not cease to act in order to promote … true dialogue between nations and between religious leaders. In the first place, this must involve a diminution of violence which in our times is spreading dangerously, and the demolition of the walls of ignorance and mistrust which can engender violence."

"Because Europe cannot close in on itself, it is also important to foment a more equal distribution of wealth in the world, and to promote true development in Africa, in order to correct the injustices arising from the current imbalance between North and South, which is one cause of tensions and threats to peace. I do not doubt that your government will make every effort to be … a messenger of tolerance and mutual respect within the family of nations."

The Pope concluded his address to the Bulgarian ambassador by greeting the Catholic community in Bulgaria, which holds "the precious memory of Blessed Pope John XXIII, who was an esteemed apostolic delegate to that country." And he invited all Bulgarian Catholics "to collaborate whenever possible with their brethren in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church."

And, to another group, on immigration:

The Holy Father today received participants in the plenary session of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant peoples, the theme of which is: "Migration and mobility from and to countries with a Muslim majority."

The Pope highlighted the Catholic Church’s awareness of the fact that "inter-religious dialogue is part of her commitment to serve humanity in the modern world." In our time, "Christians are called to cultivate a form of open dialogue on religious problems, not renouncing the presentation … of the Christian message in keeping with their own identity."

After stressing the importance of reciprocity in dialogue, Benedict XVI praised the efforts being made "to create, with immigrants, relations of mutual knowledge and respect, which are extremely useful in overcoming prejudices and closed minds."

"In this activity of welcome and dialogue with migrants and itinerant peoples, the Christian community has as its constant point of reference Christ Who left His disciples, as a rule for life, the new commandment to love." For this reason, the Pope added, "believers are called to open their arms and hearts to everyone, whatever their country of origin, leaving the task of formulating appropriate laws for promoting healthy coexistence to those responsible for public life."

"Christians," the Pope continued, "must particularly open their hearts to the lowliest and the poorest, in whom Christ Himself is especially present. … Obviously, it is to be hoped that Christians emigrating to countries with Muslim majorities, find there welcome and respect for their religious identity."