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Skriven 2005-07-26 10:14:34 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                          Vatican Information Service.
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                               VIS-Press releases

ANGELUS: MAY GOD HALT THE MURDEROUS HAND OF TERRORISTS

VATICAN CITY, JUL 24, 2005 (VIS) - At midday today, prior to praying the
Angelus, Benedict XVI addressed some remarks to the 8,000 people who had
gathered to hear him in an open area near his holiday chalet of Les Combes in
Italy's Valle d'Aosta.

The Holy Father recalled that tomorrow is the feast of the Apostle James,
"whose relics are venerated in the famous shrine of Santiago de Compostela in
Spain, the destination of countless pilgrims from all over Europe. Yesterday we
marked the day of St. Bridget of Sweden, patroness of Europe, and on July 11 we
celebrated the feast of St. Benedict, another great patron of the 'old
continent.' Contemplating these saints, it is natural to pause and reflect on
the contribution that Christianity has made, and continues to make, to the
building of Europe.

The Pope continued by recalling the pilgrimage made by "Servant of God John
Paul II in 1982 to Santiago de Compostela, where he performed a solemn
'European act' during which he pronounced these memorable words: 'I, bishop of
Rome and pastor of the Universal Church, from Santiago, address to you, old
Europe, a cry full of love: Return to yourself! Be yourself! Discover your
origins. Revive your roots. Experience again those authentic values that made
your history glorious and your presence in other continents beneficial."

Benedict XVI pointed out how, on that occasion, John Paul II launched "the
project of a Europe aware of its own spiritual unity, based on the foundation
of Christian values. He returned to this theme on the occasion of World Youth
Day 1989, held at Santiago de Compostela, expressing his hope for a Europe
without frontiers, a Europe that does not deny the Christian roots from which
it grew and that does not renounce the true humanism of Christ's Gospel. How
appropriate this call remains today in the light of recent events on the
European continent."

The Pope then affirmed that in less than a month's time he will make a
pilgrimage "to a historic European cathedral, that of Cologne, where young
people have an appointment for their 20th World Day. We pray that the new
generations, drawing their vital lymph from Christ, many know how to be
leavening in European society for a renewed humanism, one in which faith and
reason cooperate in a fruitful dialogue for the promotion of man and the
construction of true peace."

In comments following the Marian prayer, the Pope made reference to recent bomb
attacks: "Even these days of serenity and repose have been disrupted by the
tragic news of the execrable terrorist attacks which have brought death,
destruction and suffering to various countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Iraq and
Great Britain. As we entrust to divine goodness the dead and injured and their
loved ones, victims of gestures that offend both God and man, we call on the
Almighty to block the murderous hand of those who, driven by fanaticism and
hatred, committed these acts, and we ask that He convert their hearts to
thoughts of reconciliation and peace."
ANG/CHRISTIAN ROOTS:ATTACKS/LES COMBES VIS 050725 (530)

SUMMARY

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