Pope speaks about responsibility of Church pastors, guardian angels

(October 03, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday reminded the pastors of the Church of their need to be totally faithful to Christ. Speaking prior to his first weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer in St. Peter’s Square in Rome since returning to the Vatican Saturday evening from his papal summer residence of Castelgandolfo outside Rome, the Pope commented on the Sunday Gospel parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard, who maltreated and killed not only the owner’s servants but also his son. The Pope said Jesus’ warning at the end of the parable is a reminder especially to those who have a “role of authority” in the Church that they must abide in Christ, the vine and cornerstone, saying, “Only in Him, through Him and with Him is the Church, the people of the New Covenant built.” The Holy Father also reminded the faithful in St. Peter’s Square about Sunday’s feast of the guardian angels saying, "God is always near and active in human history, and follows us with the unique presence of His angels.” Calling them, “ministers of God's concern for every man,” the Pope said “from the beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their constant protection." After the ‘Angelus’, the Pope invited prayers” especially for those who face violence and threats because of their faith." Speaking in French the Pope also invited professors to be concerned with forming people in the truth, "so they can discern where the truth lies, and make free choices."