VATICAN CITY, 2 MAY 2009 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI received members of the Papal Foundation, a U.S. Catholic agency founded in Philadelphia, U.S.A. in 1990 by the late Cardinal John Krol. Its current president is Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, archbishop emeritus of Philadelphia.
Greeting the members of the foundation with St. Paul's words "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ", the Pope noted how "today's world is truly in need of His peace, especially as it faces the tragedies of war, division, poverty and despair".
Having then recalled his forthcoming trip to the Holy Land, due to begin on 8 May, the Holy Father continued his English-language remarks: "I go as a pilgrim of peace. As you are well aware, for more than sixty years, this region - the land of our Lord's birth, death and Resurrection; a sacred place for the world's three great monotheistic religions - has been plagued by violence and injustice. This has led to a general atmosphere of mistrust, uncertainty and fear - often pitting neighbour against neighbour, brother against brother.
"As I prepare for this significant journey", he added, "I ask in a special way that you join me in prayer for all the peoples of the Holy Land and the region. May they receive the gifts of reconciliation, hope and peace".
The Pope then remarked how this year's meeting with the Papal Foundation was taking place "during a time when the entire world is struggling with a very worrying economic situation. At moments such as these it is tempting to overlook those without a voice and think only of our own difficulties. As Christians we are aware, however, that especially when times are difficult we must work even harder to ensure that the consoling message of our Lord is heard.
"Rather than turning in on ourselves, we must continue to be beacons of hope, strength and support for others, most especially those who have no one to watch over or assist them".
In this context, the Pope described the members of the Papal Foundation as "examples of good Christian men and women who continue to meet the challenges we face with courage and trust. Indeed the Papal Foundation itself", he concluded, "enables valuable assistance to be carried out in the name of Christ and His Church. For your sacrifice and dedication I am most grateful to you: by means of your support the Easter message of joy, hope, reconciliation and peace is more widely proclaimed".
AC/PEACE/PAPAL FOUNDATION VIS 20090504 (440)
Greeting the members of the foundation with St. Paul's words "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ", the Pope noted how "today's world is truly in need of His peace, especially as it faces the tragedies of war, division, poverty and despair".
Having then recalled his forthcoming trip to the Holy Land, due to begin on 8 May, the Holy Father continued his English-language remarks: "I go as a pilgrim of peace. As you are well aware, for more than sixty years, this region - the land of our Lord's birth, death and Resurrection; a sacred place for the world's three great monotheistic religions - has been plagued by violence and injustice. This has led to a general atmosphere of mistrust, uncertainty and fear - often pitting neighbour against neighbour, brother against brother.
"As I prepare for this significant journey", he added, "I ask in a special way that you join me in prayer for all the peoples of the Holy Land and the region. May they receive the gifts of reconciliation, hope and peace".
The Pope then remarked how this year's meeting with the Papal Foundation was taking place "during a time when the entire world is struggling with a very worrying economic situation. At moments such as these it is tempting to overlook those without a voice and think only of our own difficulties. As Christians we are aware, however, that especially when times are difficult we must work even harder to ensure that the consoling message of our Lord is heard.
"Rather than turning in on ourselves, we must continue to be beacons of hope, strength and support for others, most especially those who have no one to watch over or assist them".
In this context, the Pope described the members of the Papal Foundation as "examples of good Christian men and women who continue to meet the challenges we face with courage and trust. Indeed the Papal Foundation itself", he concluded, "enables valuable assistance to be carried out in the name of Christ and His Church. For your sacrifice and dedication I am most grateful to you: by means of your support the Easter message of joy, hope, reconciliation and peace is more widely proclaimed".
AC/PEACE/PAPAL FOUNDATION VIS 20090504 (440)
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