Pope’s Address to the Directors and staff of the Inspectorate for Public Security, Vatican

(January 15, 2009) Pope Benedict showed his appreciation to the Sacrifices made by the Directors and Staff of the Vatican’s General Inspectorate for Public Security, as he met them on Thursday, 15th of January at the Vatican. He spoke of their responsible task of constant supervision of places adjacent to the St Peter’s Square and the Vatican and the shift system that goes along with it, assuring each and every one and their families a warm remembrance in his prayers. Greeting the entire group the Holy Father said: “We have just started the New Year, and it gives me great pleasure to meet you again, and greet each one of you heartfelt good wishes, which I cordially extend to your families and to your loved ones. The character of this traditional family meeting, so dear to me, as it gives me the opportunity to address a personal greeting and express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the work you carry out daily with recognized expertise and great dedication.” The Pope extended his greetings to Dr. Giulio Callino, newly appointed Director General, Prefect Antonio Manganelli, the Chief of Police, Prefect Francesco Cirillo, the Vice-Chief of Police and the other executives and officials of the State Police. The Pope then called on them to start a new year with expectations and hopes and added that for us Christians, the true hope is Christ, the Father's gift to humanity. Only Christ can renew the heart and make it an ocean of peace and only Christ can help us build a world where justice and love reign. He called on them to make their work of supervision a mission. This mission is of service, harmonised with discipline and warmth with vigilance and total control helping the tourists and pilgrims who come to Vatican. And that service is done with love prayer, prayer even more pleasing to God. Assuring his spiritual closeness to all, the Pope imparted his apostolic blessing.