The entire faith of the Church springs from the Resurrection, and on Easter Monday
we read of St. Peter making the announcement to the people of Jerusalem – which Pope
Benedict, during his Easter Monday Regina Coeli address, called the first missionary
address of the Church.
The Pope was speaking to about 2000 people gathered
in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, where the Holy Father
arrived Sunday evening for a few days of rest.
In his Italian greetings, Pope
Benedict addressed representatives of the association "Meter", which promotes a National
Day for child victims of violence, exploitation and indifference, and encouraged them
in their work.
Finally, the Holy Father recalled that today we celebrate St.
Mark the Evangelist, and mentioned he is the patron saint of Venice, where he will
visit on May 7th and 8th.