VATICAN CITY, DEC 31, 2005 (VIS) - This morning in the Clementine Hall in the Vatican, the Pope received the members of the Corps of Gendarmes of the Vatican City, mentioning that this visit was taking place during a "very special year for the Church", because of the death of John Paul II, the period of vacant see and the Conclave, the election of the new Bishop of Rome. He stated: "I know well that this period has been one of intense work for you all, work that you have done with commitment and spirit of sacrifice".
Benedict XVI thanked them for the daily work achieved by them "with abnegation and faithfulness in the service of the Pope and his collaborators, together with the Pontifical Swiss Guards. (...) Your job is a delicate one and very necessary, which requires dedication, caution and great availability".
He also asked the gendarmes "always to be vigilant even on the more spiritual level", and underlined that "it is indispensable to pray always, maintaining interior union with the Lord. He alone gives meaning and value to our existence. Therefore, He will support you in every moment and compensate you for the sacrifices that your service entails".
AC/.../VATICAN GENDARMES VIS 20060102 (210)
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