THE POPE: I PUT MYSELF ONCE AGAIN AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 29, 2003 (VIS) - At 6 p.m. today in St. Peter's Square, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration during which he blessed and imposed the palliums on 40 metropolitan archbishops from different countries who were appointed in the last year. A delegation of the ecumenical patriarchate from Constantinople headed by His Eminence Demetrios, Greek-Orthodox archbishop of America, was present.

In his homily, the Pope invited those present to think about the "vocation and the personal history of the apostles Peter and Paul, whose apostolic duty and mission was proportional to the depth of their conversion. Tried by the bitter experience of human misery, they were freed by the Lord."

Addressing the 40 metropolitan archbishops (two other archbishops will receive the pallium in their respective sees), the Holy Father said: "Imitating the Good Shepherd, take care of the faithful of your communities. Convey to them my cordial greetings, and assure them that the Pope prays for everyone, especially for those undergoing harsh trials and great difficulties."

"The joy of today's feast," he continued, "becomes more intense due to the presence of the delegation sent this year by His Holiness Bartholomaios I, ecumenical patriarch. The Lord, who knows our weaknesses and doubts, promises us His help to overcome the obstacles that impede the concelebration of one Eucharist. For this reason, beloved brothers and sisters, to welcome you and to have you alongside us in this solemn liturgical gathering makes our hope more firm and gives specific shape to that desire that induces us to full communion."

"As bishop of Rome and successor of Peter, in the significant setting of this feast, I renew today my full availability to put my person at the service of communion among all disciples of Christ. Help me, dear brothers and sisters, with the incessant help of your prayer. Invoke for me the heavenly intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and the apostle saints Peter and Paul."

The Pope concluded by saying: "May God help us to fulfill the mission which he has entrusted to us in complete fidelity to the last day, in order to form one heart and one soul in the bond of his love."

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