Pope Benedict XVI published his second encyclical on November 30. The encyclical, called “In Hope We Are Saved”, is derived from Romans 8:24.

The Pope pointed out that the quality of life today, is dependent on how we view life itself. If we do not have faith in eternal life, we naturally would tend to be materialistic. If we do not believe in the existence of God, our so-called freedom would become self-centered.

When we were baptized, the Church asked why we should be baptized. Our answer is "to obtain eternal life."

The manifesto of the Communist Party in 1848 boasted the proletarian ideals, but did not provide the key to change people's hearts. In the end, it fell into the bottomless pit of class struggle.

Similarly, in some circumstances the advocating technological development of European countries and the United States ignore human dignity. When human beings lack mutual love and righteousness as our fundamental principle, we cannot live in the realm of happiness.

The Pope cited the prayer life of Vietnam’s Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan in prison and a Canossian nun who used to be a slave. Their mission was to promote love everywhere which proved that in order to change the world, we have to walk together with Christ.

The Pope dedicated the title “Star of Hope” to the Virgin Mary because she accepted the challenge of becoming the Mother of our Savior.

The prophesy of Simeon to Mary that “you yourself a sword will pierce” materialized. However, Mary recalled the message from the angel, “Do not be afraid, Mary… and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, Mary stayed with the Apostles and led them through the journey of "Hope.”