Pope Benedict's farewell address at Germany's Lahr airport
Pope Benedict bid farewell to Germans at Lahr airport at the end of his four day state
visit to his native land.
Here is the full text of his remarks at the departure
ceremony:
Mr President of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Representatives
of the Federal Government, of Baden Württemburg and its Communities,
"Dear
Brother Bishops, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before leaving Germany, I would
like very much to thank you for these days, so moving and eventful, spent in my native
land.
I am grateful to you, President Wulff, for welcoming me in Berlin in
the name of the German people and now, at the moment of my departure, for again honouring
me with your gracious words. My thoughts turn to the representatives of the Federal
Government and the governments of the Länder who are present at this departure ceremony.
I offer heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Zollitsch of Freiburg, who accompanied me throughout
the journey. I likewise express my gratitude to Archbishop Woelki of Berlin and Bishop
Wanke of Erfurt, who also showed me hospitality, and to the entire German episcopate.
Finally I offer a particular word of thanks to all those who worked behind the scenes
before and during these four days in order to ensure that all went smoothly: to the
civic institutions, to all those engaged in providing security, health services and
public transport, and to the many volunteers. I thank all of you for these splendid
days, for our many personal encounters and for your many signs of attention and affection.
In
Berlin, the Federal Capital, I had the particular opportunity of addressing the members
of the Bundestag and presenting some reflections on the intellectual foundations of
the state. I also readily think of the fruitful conversations which I had with the
Federal President and the Federal Chancellor about the present state of the German
people and the international community. I was particularly touched by the cordial
welcome and enthusiasm shown by so many people in Berlin.
Here in the land
of the Reformation, Christian unity was naturally a high point of my journey. I would
mention in particular my meeting with representatives of the Lutheran Church in Germany,
which took place in the former Augustinian convent of Erfurt. I am profoundly grateful
for our fraternal exchange and common prayer. Significant too were my meetings with
Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians, as well with Jews and Muslims.
Of
course my visit was particularly aimed at the Catholic communities in Berlin, Erfurt,
Eichsfeld and Freiburg. I gladly recall our common liturgical celebrations and the
joy which accompanied them, our common listening to the word of God and our union
in prayer – especially in those parts of the country where efforts were made for decades
to remove religion from people’s lives. This gives me confidence for the future of
Christianity in Germany. As in previous visits, it was clear how many people here
are bearing witness to their faith and making its transforming power present in today’s
world. Last but not least, after the impressive celebration of World Youth Day in
Madrid, I was also delighted to be in the presence of large numbers of young people
in Freiburg at yesterday’s youth vigil.
I encourage the Church in Germany
to pursue with resolute confidence the path of faith which leads people back to their
roots, to the heart of the Good News of Christ. It will be small communities of believers
– and these already exist – whose enthusiasm spreads within a pluralistic society
and makes others curious to seek the light which gives life in abundance. “There is
nothing more beautiful than to know Christ and to speak to others of our friendship
with him” (Homily for the Solemn Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry, 24 April 2005).
This experience ultimately gives the certainty that “where God is, there is a future.”
Wherever God is present, there is hope: new and often unexpected horizons open up
beyond the present and the ephemeral. In this sense I accompany in my thoughts and
prayers the path of the Church in Germany.
With vivid memories of these days
spent in my native land, I now return to Rome. With the assurance of my prayers for
all of you, and for a future of peace and freedom for our country, I bid you farewell
with a hearfelt “Vergelt’s Gott” [May God reward you]. God bless you all!"