IN THE MAN OF THE HOLY SHROUD, DIVINE LOVE SPEAKS TO THE HEART

VATICAN CITY, AUG 13, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, prior to praying the angelus with the faithful at Castelgandolfo, the Pope recalled that yesterday in Turin, Italy, the exposition of the Holy Shroud was inaugurated and that on August 15, he will welcome participants in World Youth Day.

"Whenever people have the possibility to contemplate (the Shroud of Turin)," said the Holy Father, "they are profoundly moved by the experience. This happened to me also. Indeed, with great emotion I recall my visits: the first a few months prior to my election to the See of Peter, the second during a visit to Turin in 1980 and the third in my May 1998 pilgrimage, following the fire that almost caused such serious damage. Each occasion was a profound experience of grace! In the man of the Shroud, God's infinite love speaks to the heart of all men."

John Paul II affirmed that "many young people have arranged to meet in Turin for the beginning of the exposition of the Shroud (which will be on display until October 22). This too is a providential coincidence."

He continued: "The opening has been arranged as a kind of introduction to World Youth Day which is now almost upon us. In Rome on the afternoon of August 15, I will have the joy of welcoming the participants in this extraordinary world gathering."

The Pope invited everyone to pray "that all those who come to Rome for World Youth Day may meet Christ and, by Him, be strengthened in faith and in the will to follow Him coherently."

After reciting the angelus, the Holy Father gave greetings in various languages to the pilgrims gathered in the patio of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo.

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