CHRIST'S GIFT TO MANKIND IS PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed a group of young boys and girls from Italian Catholic Action, who came to wish him a Merry Christmas, and he thanked them for their "very welcome visit."

"There are only a few more days until Christmas," he said, "that great feast which commemorates the birth of Jesus. Two thousand years ago He came into the world to save all of mankind and He constantly comes to visit us. Our Lady, who gave birth to Him in Bethlehem, helps us to welcome him with generosity. Christ's gift to us is peace. I ask you, dear boys and girls, to be messengers of His peace in your families and with your peers."

"As you return home bring my very best Christmas wishes to your dear ones and don't forget to pray for the Pope."

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