Pope's Sunday 'Angelus' address

(Jan. 28, 2008) The healing miracles that Christ performs in the Gospel demonstrate that God has drawn near to humanity, said Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday. Addressing the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the midday 'Angelus' with him, the Pope reflected on the beginning of Christ's public mission as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. "Where Jesus comes, the Creator Spirit brings life and men are cured of diseases of body and spirit," the Pontiff explained. "The lordship of God is thus manifested in the total healing of man," he added.
During his ' Angelus' address, the Holy Father also encouraged the young members of the Catholic lay organization, Catholic Action, to continue along the path that Christ marked out for the construction of "true peace." The Pope’s encouragement came before two children representing Catholic Action of Rome, released two doves from the window of his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square. The symbolic gesture of peace was to conclude the month of January that began with the Catholic Church’s Jan. 1 World Day for Peace. Addressing Catholic Action’s young members the Pope said, “I know that you are committed to those of your age who are suffering from war and poverty. Continue on the path that Jesus has shown us to build true peace!” A youth speaking on behalf of all members of Catholic Action pledged their love for the Pope and thanked him for his inspiration in being peace builders in daily life.
After reciting the Angelus prayer with the crowd, the Pope drew attention to Sunday’s World Leprosy Day. The annual observance marked on the last Sunday of January, was started 55 years ago by French philanthropist Raoul Follereau. To all those who suffer from this disease the Pope offered his warmest greetings and a special prayer, which, he said, he extended to all those who, by various means, work on their behalf, especially the volunteers who belong to the Association of friends of Raoul Follereau. Speaking in French, Benedict XVI invited "political and health officials to commit themselves still further to those who suffer from" leprosy or Hansen's disease. He urged all to stand beside their brothers and sisters in humanity. Each one of you is called by Christ and must be a missionary of the Good News in word and in active charity," the Pope urged.