Pope thanks The Papal Foundation for their generosity

(April 16, 2010) “The empty tomb of Christ teaches us that evil never has the last word, that love is stronger than death, and that our future, and the future of all humanity, lies in the hands of a faithful and provident God. In every time and place, the Church is called to proclaim this message of hope and to confirm its truth by her practical witness of holiness and charity.” Pope Benedict XVI made the remark on Friday in the Vatican while receiving members of The Papal Foundation, the US-based Catholic group that contributes to papal charities and activities worldwide. The German-born Pontiff who turned 83 on Friday, thanked the foundation members for their generosity in “supporting a broad spectrum of charities close to the heart of the Successor of Peter,” saying they are helping in proclaiming the Church’s message of hope. “I thank you for your generous efforts to offer assistance to our brothers and sisters in developing countries, to provide for the education of the Church’s future leaders, and to advance the missionary endeavours of so many dioceses and religious congregations throughout the world,” the Pope told the group.