ANGELUS: I ALWAYS NEED YOUR PRAYERS, SAYS THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2002 (VIS) - At midday today, John Paul II appeared at the window of his study overlooking St. Peter's Square in order to pray the Angelus with pilgrims.

Recalling the celebration on June 29 of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, patrons of the Church of Rome, the Pope said that on this special occasion he had pointed out, "as the successor of Peter, the profound solidarity of the entire ecclesiastical community" and that, for this reason, he wanted to thank everyone.

"In effect," he continued, "I feel every day that my ministry is sustained by the incessant prayer of the people of God, of so many people that I do not know - but who are very close to my heart - who offer their prayers and sacrifices to the Lord for the intentions of the Pope. In moments of great difficulty and suffering, this spiritual strength is an immense help and an intimate consolation."

"I always need your prayers, dear faithful of Rome and of the entire world! How could I respond without them to the word of the Lord that Simon Peter sends: ... Put out into the deep!

The Holy Father concluded by recalling that Sts. Peter and St. Paul, "after overcoming many trials, including mortal ones, with the help of God, carried out His mission in this city where so many ruins preserve their memory."

ANG;...;...;...;VIS;20020701;Word: 240;