Pope Receives Group of Regensburg Faithful, Appoints new Bishops to US Dioceses

( 07 July 08 - RV) The Vatican this morning released a transcript of remarks the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI made to a group of pilgrim faithful from the city of Regensburg, the cathedral city at the university of which the man who would become Pope Benedict XVI taught for nearly a decade.

Speaking in German to his fellow Bavarians, Pope Benedict recalled his last visit to Regensburg’s “Old Chapel” in 2006, when he blessed the chapel’s new organ, which is named after himself.

The Holy Father said he is happy to know that the organ still plays, and that its music continues to help people experience something of the splendour of our faith – a splendour that is lit by the Holy Spirit.

In this way, said Pope Benedict, the organ is involved in the work of evangelization – it announces the gospel in its own way.

Also today, Pope Benedict named Monsignor Herbert A. Bevard, of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, to be bishop of Saint Thomas, USVI.

Until now, bishop-elect Bevard has been the pastor of Saint Athanasius Parish in Philadelphia.

The Pope also accepted the resignation of His Excellency, Michael A. Saltarelli, bishop emeritus of Wilmington, Delaware.

Bishop Saltarelli has reached the canonical age for retirement.

The Holy Father has appointed an auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, William Francis Malooly, to succeed bishop Saltarelli in Wilmington.