VATICAN CITY, FEB 6, 2005 (VIS) - Pope John Paul appeared at the window of his hospital room today at noon for the recitation of the Angelus and to bless the faithful gathered in the courtyard of Gemelli hospital as well as in St. Peter's Square where four massive television screens transmitted the Marian prayer. Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute of the Secretariat of State, read the Pope's message and led the Angelus, following which the Holy Father imparted his apostolic blessing.
"Today I address you from Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic," began the Pope's message, "where, for several days, I have been cared for with loving solicitude by doctors, nurses and health personnel, whom I thank with all my heart.
"I hope that the expression of my thanks for your sincere affection, which I have felt so intensely during these days, reaches you dear brothers and sisters, and everyone around the world who has been close to me."
The Holy Father assured the faithful of his prayers for them "according to your intentions, as well as for the needs of the Church and the great causes of the world. Thus, even here in the hospital, in the midst of other sick people, to whom I send affectionate thoughts, I continue to serve the Church and all of humanity."
Noting that Italy today celebrates the Day for Life, he said that the message of Italian bishops for this occasion "accented the mystery of life as a association which calls for trust. We need to trust life! Unborn children silently ask for trust in life. Children who, for diverse reasons are without a family, wish to trust life and hope that they will find a home that will welcome them through adoption or temporary custody.
"With special consideration," conclude the Pope's Angelus reflections, "I am thinking of the beloved Italian people and everyone who has at heart the defense of nascent life. I am especially close to the Italian bishops; may they continue to exhort Catholics and all people of good will to defend the basic right to life, in respect for the dignity of every human person."
ANG/LIFE/GEMELLI POLYCLINIC VIS 20050207 (360)
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