BENEDICT XVI SAYS FAREWELL TO CASTELGANDOLFO

VATICAN CITY, SEP 30, 2006 (VIS) - Today in the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, Benedict XVI bid his farewells to the Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano (diocese in which Castelgandolfo is located), the religious communities, the civil authorities and the personnel in charge of security during his stay in the summer residence.

  The Pope said, "A dear salutation to the Jesuits of the Vatican Specola and the religious and lay communities present in Castelgandolfo. During these months I have felt their spiritual closeness and give them my heartfelt thanks, with the wish that all may correspond with renewed generosity to God's call, using all energies for the service of the Gospel".

  Also, the Holy Father thanked the mayor and the municipal council and inhabitants of Castelgandolfo "who were so attentive to my person and to those who spent their summer with me". Benedict XVI also praised the "courtesy and hospitality (...) for the many pilgrims and visitors who came to see the Pope, especially for the Sunday Angelus".

  The Holy Father gave thankful appreciation to the doctors and to the personnel of the Vatican Governatorate who "with many sacrifices, ensured their presence and competent services" and to the members of the regular Italian forces, as well as the Vatican Gendarmerie and the Pontifical Swiss Guards, who ensured a serene and secure stay for myself and my collaborators".

  "I must not forget" - he continued - "the officers and the aviators of the XXXI squadron of the Military Airforce who made possible my travels with the helicopters".

  He said: "To each and everyone my most sincere thanks and the assurance of a constant memory in prayer for each of you as well as those dear to you".

  Benedict XVI continued by thanking the personnel of the Pontifical Residences "who in many ways are part of the Pope's 'family' when he stays at the Castle. (...) and the Director, Saverio Petrillo, always attentive and caring".

  He concluded by asking "God to recompense all for their dedication and faithfulness with which you accomplished the duties entrusted to you".
AC/FAREWELL/CASTELGANDOLFO                    VIS 20061002 (350)