Posted on 03/26/2006 3:40:53 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
POPE Benedict XVI today read what he described as a message of love and hope that Pope John Paul II had intended to deliver the day after he died.
"In the divine plan it was written that he should leave us right on the vigil," Benedict said during a visit to the God Our Merciful Father Church on the outskirts of Rome.
"The pope had written thus: 'To humanity, which sometimes appears lost and dominated by the power of evil and selfishness and fear, the Lord resurrected offers the gift of his love that forgives, reconciles and opens the soul to hope. It is a love that changes hearts and brings peace'."
Benedict described the text, which he read during his homily, as a "testament".
John Paul had intended to read the text on April 3, but died the night before.
The pontiff, clad in a pink robe, was visiting the church in Rome's Tor Tre Teste neighbourhood as part of a series of parish visits.
He was welcomed by Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini and about 200 cheering faithful, some of whom waved from windows and hung out the Vatican's white and yellow flag.
Beautiful message he left and so much needed. Thanks for posting it.
**The pontiff, clad in a pink robe,**
OH horrors of the secular press!
How about a "rose chausible?"
Yes, that sounds much better. I was a bit worried there for a minute...
Please post as you see fit :)
LOL. The celebrant at the Mass last night offered, unsolicited, that information during his homily!
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