POPE AT CONCERT: EUROPE: BUILD A FUTURE OF HOPE AND PEACE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 2003 (VIS) - In celebration of the 25th anniversary of his election to the pontificate, this afternoon in the Paul VI Hall John Paul II attended a concert offered by the choir and symphonic orchestra of Leipzig, Germany which performed Beethoven's entire Ninth Symphony, including the Ode to Joy. Cardinals, bishops, prelates of the Roman Curia and ambassadors were present.

At the end of the concert, the Pope thanked the members of the orchestra and chorus, saying: "The Ninth Symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven's last, has invited us to meditate on the richness and drama of human life. In the grand finale, the Ode to Joy has guided our thoughts, beyond humanity in its entirety, to the new Europe, that is extending its borders to other countries. Drawing on the heritage of the human and Christian values of its past, may the European continent be able to contribute to building a future rich in hope and peace for all of humanity."

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