Christian joy inspired by the visit of the Pope

(March 24.2012) The overflowing joy expressed in welcoming the Pope is something that strikes us strongly, says a top Vatican official commenting on the papal visit to Mexico and Cuba which began on Saturday. Jesuit father Federico Lombardi, head of the Vatican’s Press Office, recalls how the pope spoke with great satisfaction of the spontaneous and warm welcome he had received on his recent visit to Benin in Africa. It was the overwhelming desire of people to live and live well, despite poverty and their innumerable problems. The Pope is touched by every smile, every applause, every gesture of welcome along the long route he traverses. And the Pope underlines that Christian joy is born of faith in the resurrection, and no one can deprive a believer of such joy.