POPE THANKS AGENTS OF THE PUBLIC SECURITY INSPECTORATE

VATICAN CITY, 8 JAN 2010 (VIS) - In a traditional meeting that takes place every year in January, Benedict XVI today received members of the General Inspectorate for Public Security in the Vatican.

  In his remarks the Pope thanked the agents for the work they do to maintain public order in St. Peter's Square and the area around the Vatican, highlighting how their task "is particularly important for the mission of the Roman Pontiff".

  "Your efforts", he went on, "favour a climate of serenity and tranquillity which gives those who come to the centre of Christianity the chance to enjoy an authentic religious experience, in contact with the fundamental monuments of the Christian faith such as the tomb of the Apostle Peter, the relics of many saints and the tombs of numerous Pontiffs, loved and venerated by Christian people".

  Recalling then the "commitment and great responsibility" required of the agents in the performance of their duties, the Pope told them that their work should be "a special way to serve the Lord, almost as if to 'prepare the way for Him', so that each pilgrim's and each visitor's experience at the centre of Christianity may represent a special occasion to encounter the Lord Who changes lives".

  The Holy Father concluded by expressing the hope that the work undertaken by the agents of the General Inspectorate for Public Security "may make you ever stronger and more coherent in your faith", and he encouraged them "not to be afraid or ashamed to express that faith in your own families, in the workplace and wherever you may find yourselves".
AC/.../INSPECTORATE PUBLIC SECURITY                VIS 20100108 (280)