POPE PRAYS UNCEASINGLY FOR GIFT OF PEACE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 29, 2001 (VIS) - This morning, as is his custom before leaving the summer residence at Castelgandolfo to return to the Vatican, the Pope addressed remarks to the mayor and his cabinet, the city council of Castelgandolfo, law enforcement officials, religious, and medical personnel.
"Thank you," the Pope said in his brief discourse, "for your spiritual closeness and for all that you have done for my colleagues and me during these months."

After recalling the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States, which the mayor mentioned in his brief greeting as well, John Paul II said, "We also cannot forget to mention the victims of the grave terrorist attack which recently shook America and the world. I do not cease to pray and to invoke the mercy of the Lord for the deceased, support and comfort for the survivors, and the precious gift of peace for all of humanity."

Following this, the Pope addressed the members of the 31st Aeronautic Division of the Italian military who accompany him in his air travels over Italian territory. "Thank you," the Pope said, "for your constant dedication and for your diligent commitment! ... Thank you that in this way you help me to fulfill the pastoral ministry which Providence has entrusted to me, and you also collaborate in the announcing and spreading of the Good News."

This evening, after his farewell to the staff of the papal apartments at Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father returned to the Vatican by helicopter.

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