Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to the Conference for the 80th anniversary for the Foundation of the State of Vatican City

(February 14, 2009) "A small area for a great mission" is the theme which focused your attention, reflecting together on the spiritual value and civic importance of this small sovereign state, the place entirely at the service of the great mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to Peter and his Successors,” said Pope Benedict XVI. He was addressing the members of the Conference that gathered together at the Hall of the Synod of Bishops in Rome on the 14^th of February. The Pope expressed his satisfaction for the celebrations and for the various initiatives of these commemorative days, aiming to deepen and to raise awareness of the history and character of the City of Vatican. On this occasion a commemorative Exhibition was held entitled, “"1929 - 2009: 80 Years of Vatican City State”, a concert on Handel’s Messiah, and the Philatelic and Numismatic issues on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vatican City State and the three day conference were held in Rome. He said that the eighty years since its foundation, have gone peacefully, if not always well understood in its reasons for existence and for the many tasks it is required to fulfil. The Holy Father then recalled the day February 11, 1929, the day of Origin and the vision and leadership of Pope Pius XI that made this State possible. “With a steady hand, he gave strong impetus to the Church in its many dimensions: we think of missionary expansion, the care for the training of ministers of God, the promotion of the laity in the Church and society, intensity ratio with the civil community. Even the State of Vatican City, was considered by Pius XI a tool to ensure the necessary independence from any human power, to give to the Church and its Supreme Pastor the opportunity to fulfil fully to the mandate received from Christ the Lord,” he said. The Vatican State, which brings the treasures of faith, history, art, holds a precious heritage for all humanity. From his heart, where at the tomb of St. Peter, the Pope lives, there is a constant message of true social progress, hope, reconciliation and peace,” said Pope Benedict.