VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2005 (VIS) - In his greetings to the faithful at the end of today's general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI addressed some words to participants in a congress being promoted by the Congregation for the Clergy, and to members of the Italian Association of Referees.
To participants in the congress marking the fortieth anniversary of the Decree 'Presbyterorum Ordinis,' who were accompanied by Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, the Pope said: "This conciliar document marked a stage of fundamental importance in the life of the Church, reflecting upon the characteristics of priestly ministry which conforms priests to Jesus Christ, the head and shepherd of His people. In His image and at His service, priests must give their lives for the glory of God and the salvation of souls."
The Holy Father then told members of the Bolzano and Florence sections of the Italian Association of Referees that their presence gave him the opportunity, "once again, to underline the value of sport which, if practiced well, can become the privileged vehicle for an incomparable message of hope, promoting a culture of respect, loyalty and serene coexistence."
Turning then to address Polish pilgrims, Benedict XVI recalled that tomorrow is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God. "God," he told them, "chose her and preserved her from original sin, to prepare her to be the worthy mother of His Son."
AG/GREETINGS/... VIS 20051207 (260)
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