JOHN PAUL II GREETS AUDIENCE PILGRIMS FROM CASTELGANDOLFO

VATICAN CITY, SEP 24, 2003 (VIS) - During this Wednesday's general audience, celebrated in the Paul VI Hall, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, read the catechesis prepared by the Pope who was unable to come from Castelgandolfo due to an intestinal problem.

Before reading the text, Cardinal Sodano told the pilgrims present: "Due to being ill, the Holy Father will not be able to be present during this general audience. Together we will pray for him, trusting that he may quickly recover. His Holiness would like you to know that he is following us via television and, at the end of this gathering, he will speak to us."

Today's commentary on Psalm 8, "The Greatness of God and the Dignity of Man," concludes the cycle of meditations started by the Pope on the psalms and canticles "which are the center of the Liturgy of the Lauds."

In Psalm 8, the Holy Father writes, "a double experience emerges. On one hand, man feels almost crushed by the grandeur of creation" and yet "God watches over man and crowns him as his viceroy. ... God even entrusts the whole universe to this creature, so fragile, so that he may know Him and be sustained by Him."

"The Psalm," he continues, "makes us aware of our grandeur, but also of our responsibility in relation to creation."

In conclusion, John Paul II affirms that "God weaves for us a 'crown of justice' that will reward our fidelity to Him, sustained even during the storms that agitate our heart and mind. He is always attentive to His creatures and would like the divine 'image' to always shine in them, so that they know how to be a sign of harmony, light and peace in the world."

After Cardinal Sodano read greetings in different languages, the Pope, via an audio linkup from Castelgandolfo, greeted and then blessed the pilgrims: "I regret not being able to be with you for this weekly gathering. I hold you all in my heart and bless you with affection."

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