VATICAN CITY, NOV 7, 2004 (VIS) - Prior to praying the Angelus today, the Holy Father addressed the faithful who had assembled in St. Peter' s Square, reminding them that "popular devotion dedicates the month of November to the memory of the deceased faithful," adding that God "remains faithful to the covenant sealed with man, a covenant that not even death can break."
"This pact," he said, "sealed in the Easter of Christ, is constantly made current in the sacrament of the Eucharist. There, too, prayers for the deceased also have their pinnacle. In offering Mass for them, believers support their final purification. Receiving communion in faith, they strengthen with them the bonds of spiritual love."
During multi-language greetings after the Angelus prayer, John Paul II welcomed "the Africans present for the Angelus. I express my concern for the serious news that is coming from the Ivory Coast where violence has caused new victims. May arms become silent, may peace accords be respected, may the path of dialogue be resumed! I entrust the people of the Ivory Coast to Mary, Queen of Peace."
In addressing Polish pilgrims, the Pope noted that "today Poland celebrates Hospice Day, whose motto is 'Hospices are also life'. The attention with which healthcare workers and volunteers welcome persons who are incurably ill and dying, is a great work of mercy. I ask God to recompense their love and dedication with His grace. I entrust to Mary Most Holy those who accompany the sick people in their families. May God bless everyone."
ANG/IVORY COAST/... VIS 20041108 (270)
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