Pope Benedict XVI reaches out to embrace a child as he leads his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican May 17, 2006. REUTERS/Max Rossi
Pope Benedict XVI looks on as he leads his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, May 17, 2006. (Alessia Giuliani/CPP)
[The following photos are not from today's audience, but they seemed worth posting. ELS]
Roses left by a faithful near the marble plate set in Saint Peter Square for 25th anniversary of assassination attempt on John Paul II, Rome, May 13, 2006. (Daniele Colarieti/CPP)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) during a private audience at the Vatican May 11, 2006. Chavez arrived in the Italian capital Wednesday to meet politicians and Pope Benedict XVI during his first stop in a tour of five countries in Europe and North Africa. (Catholic Press Photo/Pool)
PRAYERS FOR POLISH TRIP, ROSARY IN MONTH OF THE VIRGIN MARY
VATICAN CITY, MAY 17, 2006 (VIS) - During today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope addressed some words to Polish pilgrims, expressing joy over his forthcoming visit to that country, due to begin in 8 days' time.
"This visit," he said "will take place under the motto 'remain strong in the faith.' Even from today I ask you, and all the Church in Poland, to pray so that in those days, with the help of God' grace, we can strengthen one another in our testimony of the faith. May Servant of God John Paul II accompany us!"
The Holy Father also greeted a group of faithful from Estonia, especially the choir of the cathedral of Maribor, to whom he said: "In your pilgrimage recalling the tenth anniversary of my predecessor's visit, may the example of his life make you strong in faithfulness to Christ and to the Church."
Finally, addressing young people and the sick, he called on them "to intensify the devout practice of praying the Rosary, especially in this month of May, dedicated to the Mother of God," entrusting to her "all your needs." He also called on recently married couples to "make the praying of the Rosary in the family a moment of spiritual growth under the maternal gaze of the Virgin Mary."
AG/GREETINGS/... VIS 060517 (230)
Pope Benedict XVI meets with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) during a private audience at the Vatican May 11, 2006. Chavez arrived in the Italian capital Wednesday to meet politicians and Pope Benedict XVI during his first stop in a tour of five countries in Europe and North Africa. (Catholic Press Photo/Pool) This photo disturbs me some. Chavez is an avowed Communist, no? Atheist? I hope it is because of my blind ignorance, but anyone know what Chavez's objective was in having a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI?