Vatican spokesman looks ahead to pontificate’s 8th year
(April 23, 2012) In the wake of recent celebrations of Pope Benedict XVI’s 85th birthday
on April 16 and the 7th anniversary of his election to the pontificate, April 19,
the director of the Holy See’s Press Office devoted his latest editorial to the year
ahead. Holy See’s spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi shared the Pope’s hope that the
dialogue with the breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics known as Saint Pius
X Fraternity will come to a resolution, that bridges the gap without creating any
new ones. The Jesuit priest wished the Pope well as he travels to the northern Italian
city of Milan to deliver a message of love and hope for families as they hold their
World Meeting of Families in June. He also hoped that “dissenting groups will hear
his invitation to be in communion with the Church and receive this invitation with
respect and attention, and with an understanding of its significance.” Fr. Lombardi
expressed hope that International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland in June will help
in the healing, purification and renewal of the Church in Ireland following the devastating
sexual abuse scandals there. The Jesuit priest also hoped that Pope Benedict’s visit
to Lebanon in September may give him a chance to spread a message of peace amid the
tragic conflicts in that region. In view of the Catholic Church’s Year of Faith and
the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization later this year, Fr. Lombardi hoped
they will help revive faith life in the Church.