GREETING TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE ROME MARATHON

VATICAN CITY, JAN 1, 2000 (VIS) - "Life may be compared to a unique marathon that we are all called to run, each in their own way and at their own pace," said John Paul II to the thousands of athletes and participants from various counties who took part in this year's City of Rome Marathon. He greeted them before they started the race from St. Peter's Square.

"Nonetheless," said the Pope, "we all share a common finishing line, and that is the meeting with Christ." He took the opportunity offered by the event with which the athletes were starting the Jubilee Year to express the hope that all men and women may be aware "of the meaning and value of a life spent in the service of others, in keeping with God's providential design."

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