Pope greets pilgrims gathered in Trier, Germany to view the Holy Tunic

(April 14.2012) The dignity and integrity of the Church cannot be held to ransom by the racket of summary public opinion wrote Pope Benedict in a message to the pilgrims flocking to Trier, Germany for the exposition of the Holy Tunic after sixteen years. It is believed to be the seamless robe worn by Christ before the crucifixion for which the soldiers had cast lots to decide who should have it. The Pope’s letter, addressed to Bishop Stephan Ackerman of Trier was read by Card. Marc Ouellet prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops and Papal Legate. The seamless robe is a symbol of the one undivided church, writes the Pope. The church is made up of many members but united to one another as Christians who in their very diversity become mediators before God. The church must be faithful to its origins, mindful that it was only when Peter confessed “Thou art the Christ” that she received the power to bind and lose. The simple tunic reminds us that we carry our treasures in fragile vessels, because of our egoism, weakness and errors which wound the integrity of Christ’s body. So we need constant conversion and humility. But we should not be dismayed by the cacophony of wordly criticism.