Pope thanks cardinals on 5th Anniversary of Pontificate

(April 20, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI told cardinals on Monday, that he does not feel alone in the midst of the difficulties and attacks, that he and the Church have received in recent weeks. The Pope said this at a celebratory luncheon in the Apostolic Palace, attended by some 70 cardinals on the 5^th anniversary of his Pontificate on April 19^th. Referring to Sunday’s Gospel when Jesus asked Peter “Do you Love me”? the Pope told the cardinals, “It was through you, that five years ago, the Lord asked me “Do you love me? and asked me to continue the work of St. Peter. Pope Benedict said “ In this moment, after 5 years, I can only express my thanks, thanks above all to the Lord who guides me, but thanks also to you, and the entire College of Cardinals for the help given to me day after day. I also take this occasion”, continued the Pope, “ to say thanks to all my collaborators in the Curia, which work together to fulfil the mandate given by the Lord to Peter, to confirm his brothers in the faith, to announce his Resurrection, and be witnesses of God’s love.
Pope Benedict concluded saying - “Let us give thanks to the Lord and pray for His help to go ahead, in the power of faith and in the joy of His Resurrection”.