VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2005 (VIS) - This morning, as previously announced, John Paul II addressed a few words to participants in today's general audience.
Because of bad weather in Rome, the Pope, who was scheduled to greet pilgrims in the square from his study window, spoke to them instead via a television link from the library of his private apartments to the Paul VI Hall: "I greet you with affection and I thank you for your attendance."
"We are following a Lenten journey," he went on, "assisted and stimulated by the liturgy which calls us to a special commitment to prayer, fasting and penitence, and to greater solidarity towards our fellow man, especially towards the poor and needy.
"Let us open our hearts to the inner suggestions of grace. May selfishness give way to love, that we may have the chance to experience the joy of forgiveness and of intimate reconciliation with God and with our brothers and sisters."
In closing, the Pope greeted the participants in several languages, expressing the hope that their stay in Rome may help them deepen their "love of the Universal Church."
AG/LENT/... VIS 20050223 (180)
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