VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Consistory Hall the Holy Father received members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See who came to express their best wishes to him on the occasion of his 80th birthday yesterday.
"You have come here to thank God with me for the gift He has given me of a long life," the Pope told them, "as well as to confirm once again the aspirations for peace, values which give meaning to man's life, and the commitment of the Bishop of Rome for the promotion and defense of the dignity of every person and all peoples."
"The gift of life!" he exclaimed. "Yes, life is a gift which comes from an act of love. It is therefore with love that we must receive it, respect it, cultivate it and promote it in all manners and defend it when it is threatened. My 80 years have been lived in a century which has known attacks on life like never before, but also sublime witnesses in its favor."
John Paul II added that, "throughout my pontificate, ... I have often depended on your generous collaboration so that my appeals in favor of the respect and promotion of life in all its diverse moments and many needs be carried to the world's heads of state.
"I renew my cordial thanks," the Pope said in conclusion, "for this solemn gesture by which you desired to honor me in a personal moment of my life."
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