Pope's General Audience of June 2

(June 2, 2010) Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called the general audience, during which pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance of seeing and hearing him speak. The Holy Father delivers a spiritual reflection and greets various groups in their languages, including in English. The General Audience of June 2 was held in the open in St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides taking turns reading a scripture passage in various languages. One of the aides greeted the Pope on behalf of the English-speaking pilgrims, and presented the various groups to him. Pope Benedict then delivered a reflection in English.

Listen:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our catechesis on the Christian culture of the Middle Ages, we now turn to Saint Thomas Aquinas, known as the 'Doctor Communis', whose life and teaching have always been revered as a outstanding model for theologians. As a young student at the University of Naples, Thomas was introduced to the recently rediscovered works of Aristotle. Much of his scholarly life would be devoted to studying the Philosopher’s authentic teaching, discerning its valid elements, and demonstrating its value for Christian thought. Thomas entered the Order of Preachers, studied under Albert the Great, and taught theology in Cologne, Paris, Rome and Naples. Among his many commentaries and systematic works, the great Summa Theologiae reveals his critical gifts and his conviction of the natural harmony between faith and reason. Thomas also composed the liturgical texts for the new feast of Corpus Domini, whose hymns reflect his deep Eucharistic faith and theological wisdom. At the end of his life, Saint Thomas stopped writing, after a mystical experience which convinced him that all he had written “was as straw”, in comparison with the infinite grandeur and beauty of God’s truth. In coming catecheses we will explore the thought and writings of this great theologian.
I send my greetings to those gathered during these days in Scotland for the centennial of the first Edinburgh Missionary Conference, which is now acknowledged to have given birth to the modern ecumenical movement. May we all renew our commitment to work humbly and patiently, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to live again together our common apostolic heritage.
I send cordial greetings to the delegates gathered in New Orleans for this year’s Catholic Media Convention. The theme of your meeting, “Spreading the Good News – Byte by Byte”, highlights the extraordinary potential of the new media to bring the message of Christ and the teaching of his Church to the attention of a wider public. If your mission is to be truly effective - if the words you proclaim are to touch hearts, engage people’s freedom and change their lives – you must draw them into an encounter with persons and communities who witness to the grace of Christ by their faith and their lives. In this sense, it is my hope that your days together will renew and refresh your shared enthusiasm for the Gospel. Notwithstanding the many challenges you face, never forget the promise of Christ, “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20). Dear friends, with these few words of encouragement, to all of you gathered for the Convention I am pleased to impart my Apostolic Blessing.

At the end of the audience Pope Benedict expressed his concern over the tragic events linked with Gaza. Speaking in Italian, he said he felt the need to express his heartfelt condolence for the victims of the very painful events that hurt those who care very much about peace in the region. Israeli commandos on Monday stormed six ships carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists on an aid mission to the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens. Pope Benedict said that “violence does not resolve controversies, but rather increases their dramatic consequences and generates more violence.” He therefore appealed to local and international political leaders “to relentlessly seek just solutions through dialogue, in order to ensure better living conditions, harmony and serenity for the people.” Pope Benedict invited all to join him in praying for the victims, their families and for those suffering, saying, “The Lord will support the efforts of those who never tire of working for reconciliation and peace.”
Pope Benedict also invited all to join him at Mass and the traditional procession in Rome Thursday evening on the solemn feast of Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ. He also invited the faithful to accompany him with prayers in his 3-day pastoral visit to Cyprus, beginning on Friday, so that it may bear rich spiritual fruits for the dear Christian communities of the Middle East.
Pope Benedict's Wednesday General Audience concluded with his blessing.