From the open window of his study overlooking St Peter’s Square this Sunday, Pope
Benedict XVI made a special request of Christians worldwide, he asked for their prayers
for the noble cause of combating all forms of violence, domestic, social and international.
Greeting
English speaking pilgrims after the midday recitation of the Regina Caeli prayer,
the Pope called attention to the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, organized
by the World Council of Churches, which is currently underway in Kingston, Jamaica:
“The
Convocation is the culmination of a decade-long programme aimed at combating all forms
of violence. Let us join in prayer for this noble intention, and recommit ourselves
to eliminating violence in families, in society and in the international community”.
Before
the Regina Caeli, commenting on today's Gospel, Benedict XVI reflected on the "dual
commandment" it proposes to us; that we believe in God and believe in Jesus. Speaking
in Italian he said: "Faith in Jesus means following him every day, in simple actions
that make up our daily lives", because "only by believing in Christ, abiding in Him,
can his disciples, which include us too, continue his permanent action in history.
"
Pope Benedict continued “the New Testament put an end to the invisibility
of the Father…the Son of God, by his incarnation, death and resurrection, has freed
us from the slavery of sin to give us the freedom of the children of God and made
known to us the face of God who is love: we can see God, He is visible in Christ ".
He concluded “Dear friends, in the joy of this Easter season, may we be strengthened
by the Risen Lord to follow him faithfully and to share in his life. Upon you and
your families I invoke God’s abundant blessings”.