POPE: LET US ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE ATTRACTED BY GOD'S LOVE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 31, 2000 (VIS) - At midnight, the Holy Father appeared at the window of his private study in order to greet and bless the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square. Many of those present had taken part in a prayer vigil which began at 10:30 p.m. and was presided by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome.

"In this moment," said the Pope, "we cross the threshold of the year 2001 and advance into the third Christian millennium. As the clock strikes midnight, marking this historical passage, we pause with our hearts full of gratitude to consider the various fortunes of the past century and millennium."

"Let us allow ourselves," said John Paul II "to be attracted by God's love, and the journey of life will know the joy that arises from serving Him faithfully every day. This is my cordial wish for all believers and for all men and women of good will."

"My thoughts," he concluded, "embrace the whole world. I trust that the new millennium may bring peace, justice, brotherhood and prosperity to all nations. In particular, my thoughts go out to the young, the hope for the future: May the light of Christ the Savior give meaning to their lives, guide them along the road of life and make them strong in the witness of truth and the service of good."

The Holy Father then imparted his apostolic blessing for the end of the year 2000 and the start of 2001.

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