VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2005 (VIS) - In the Paul VI Hall this evening, Benedict XVI participated in a celebration in his honor organized and promoted by the Family of St. Luigi Orione, the Youth Missionary Service - Arsenal of Peace from the Italian city of Turin, the Italian Civil Protection and the "Papaboys" Association.
A number of Italian singers, and a group of young disabled people from Poland, Jordan and Italy, participated in the celebration, the theme of which was "so many hearts around the Pope, messenger of peace."
In his address, the Holy Father recalled how St. Luigi Orione would "speak with intense affection of the person of the Pope, recognizing his role not only within the Church but also at the service of the entire human family."
After highlighting the fact that the evening's celebration had emphasized one particular aspect of the ministry of Peter's Successor, that of being a "messenger of peace," the Pope asked: "How can I not take advantage of your presence to render homage to so many silent 'builders of peace' who, through their testimony and their sacrifice, strive to promote dialogue between people, to overcome all forms of conflict and division, and to make of our world a homeland of peace and fraternity for all men and women?"
Benedict XVI encouraged everyone present, "each in their own field and in accordance with their possibilities, to offer their collaboration in safeguarding the dignity of all men, in defending human life and in undertaking decisive action for authentic peace in all social fields."
Addressing the young especially, the Pope concluded by recalling that his predecessor John Paul II, "whose cause of beatification begins today," liked to say "that you young people are the hope and future of the Church and of humanity. May there be an ever greater will in everyone's heart to create a world of authentic and stable peace."
AC/POPE:PEACE/ORIONE VIS 20050630 (330)
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