POPE EXPRESSES WISH TO RETURN TO POMPEII SHRINE OF THE ROSARY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 5, 2002 (VIS) - Pope John Paul and the faithful from the diocese of Ischia who had joined him for Mass on Aragon Square in the town of Ischia-Ponte recited the Regina Coeli together following the Eucharistic Celebration. Before praying, however, the Pope reflected on Mary, to whom the month of May is dedicated, and remarked that this month is also traditionally dedicated to the Rosary.

"Speaking of the Rosary," he went on, "my thoughts go to the city of Pompeii, not far from here. It was there that Blessed Bartolo Longo wished to dedicate to the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary a shrine, one that has become the heart of the Campania region and known throughout the world. While flying through the skies of this beautiful region, I thought with devoted affection of that dear shrine where, please God, I hope to be able to return."

John Paul II then referred to the fact that "today our Eastern brothers, according to their calendar, celebrate the feast of Easter. We join them in their exultation for the Resurrection of Christ, praying to the Lord we have in common that very soon all Christians may experience the joy of full unity."

In closing remarks, the Holy Father said that "the very difficult situation in which many peoples of the world find themselves is always before me. I would like to present the Virgin Mary with the request for security and peace that arises unrelentingly from many sides and especially from the Holy Land. I invite you to pray to our Lady with me that she will grant those heartfelt invocations."

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