When astronauts view the Earth from space, they see not a conglomeration of countries, but one unified world. Argentinean archbishop Estanislao Karlic called for an extension of this vision to America, with all people living as one mankind, speaking through a translator in his lecture "Principal themes of Ecclesia in America."

"The Pope wants to strengthen and recognize the idea of a real unity for the continent," said Karlic, emphasizing the use of America in the single, not the plural to describe the Western Hemisphere.

"The will of the Pope is that we live and work not just like Jesus … but as one America," said Karlic while explaining the Pope's call for a new evangelization in America.

"In reality the Christian religion in the third millennium is the religion of remaining intimate with God," Karlic said, noting how Jesus has drawn closer to mankind ever since the Resurrection.

"Christianity is just the personal encounter of the Father, Son and Spirit with each one of us," Karlic said.

Karlic emphasized the universal nature of this encounter.

"All persons are a symbol and instrument of the God that draws closer to us." he said. "It is Christ that we can use as the measuring ruler for all cultures."

"Evangelization has marked America," said Karlic, noting the prevalence of Christian character in America compared with Africa and Asia.

Karlic emphasized, however, that changes are necessary. He addressed the role of education as a pastoral instrument, stating the need for Catholic educational institutions with the Gospel as the light and strength. Education, is an introduction to humanity, to social interactions, and to life in the Church, he said.

Karlic also explained that the responsibility to contribute to the unity of the world includes the responsibility to respect the cultures of small nations. Although the tendency is for the powerful to dominate the weak, we resist this temptation, he said.

The rights of the poor must not be ignored. From Canada to the United States, to Chile to Argentina—the goal is to help the poor live in dignity, said Karlic.

Karlic's address is part of the conference "Building a Culture of Solidarity: Challenges and Promises of Ecclesia in America," sponsored by the University of Notre Dame Theology Department.

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