October 24, 2012 - Every week on Wednesday, the Pope holds a public meeting, called
the general audience, where pilgrims and tourists who come to Rome have a chance of
seeing and hearing him speak in several languages and receive his blessing. The
general audience of October 24th in St. Peter’s Square. It began with aides reading
a passage from St. Paul’s Second letter to Corinthians in several languages. An
aide greeted the Pope on behalf of the English speaking pilgrims, following which
Pope Benedict spoke in English.
Listen: Dear
Brothers and Sisters, In our series of catecheses for the Year of Faith,
we now consider the nature of faith. More than simply knowledge about God, faith
is a living encounter with him. Through faith we come to know and love God, who reveals
himself in the life, death and resurrection of Christ, and in so doing reveals the
deepest meaning and truth of our human existence. Faith offers us sure hope and direction
amid the spiritual confusion of our times. Before all else, faith is a divine gift
which enables us to open our hearts and minds to God’s word and, through Baptism,
to share in his divine life within the community of the Church. Yet faith is also
a profoundly human act, engaging our intelligence and freedom. When we welcome God’s
invitation and gift, our lives, and the world around us, are transformed. May this
Year of Faith help us to live our faith fully, and to invite others to hear and welcome
God’s word, opening their hearts to the eternal life which faith promises. I
offer a cordial greeting to the General Chapter of the Salvatorian Sisters. I also
greet the large group of pilgrims from Japan. My warm welcome goes to the priests
from the Archdiocese of Westminster. I welcome the members of the Apostolic Union
of Clergy. I also greet the study group of Anglican clergy visiting Rome. Upon all
the English-speaking visitors present, including those from England, Scotland, Denmark,
Norway, Nigeria, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Canada and the United States,
I invoke God’s blessings.