LEAD AN EXEMPLARY LIFE IN FULL ADHERENCE TO CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, JAN 17, 2003 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received members of the Inspectorate of Public Safety in the Vatican as is customary at the beginning of the new year. During the encounter, he thanked them for their service and "faithful protection."

"This is a good occasion," said the Pope, "to renew the expression of my esteem and recognition for the work that you carry out in a discreet and effective manner, sometimes sacrificing also the understandable desires of your families. May God reward you."

The Holy Father recommended that their "daily activity, in contact with the crowds of pilgrims and visitors who are going to see the Successor of Peter, be a stimulus to deepen ever more your faith. May being close to the tombs of the Apostles be a constant call to lead an exemplary life inspired in full adherence to Christ." He concluded by saying: "Be sure of this: faithfulness to your own religious and moral convictions and the coherent application of the principles of the Gospel constitute a source of true peace and intimate joy."

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