Pope ends 4-day German visit

(September 26, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI concluded a 4-day state visit to his native Germany Sunday night, expressing hope that the enthusiasm of small communities of believers that already exist in Germany will make the transforming power of faith present in today’s world. Speaking at a farewell ceremony at Lahr airport before flying back to Rome, the Pontiff briefly recounted the various encounters he had during the 4 days, particularly with the Catholic communities in Berlin, Erfurt, Eichsfeld and Freiburg, and gladly recalled the joyful liturgical celebrations, the common listening to the word of God and their union in prayer, especially in those parts of the country where efforts were made for decades to remove religion from people’s lives. “This,” the Pope said, “gives me confidence for the future of Christianity in Germany.” “It was clear,” he noted , “how many people here are bearing witness to their faith and making its transforming power present in today’s world.” He said it will be small communities of believers, which 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," the Pope said, adding, this experience ultimately gives the certainty that "where God is, there is a future." “Wherever God is present, there is hope,” the Pope added.