The tragedy in the Italian city of Brindisi and the earthquake in the country’s Emilia Romagna region: at the end of the Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope did not forget the victims of the past few days.“Unfortunately,” said the pontiff, “today I must mention the girls and boys at the school in Brindisi, caught up in yesterday’s vile attack. Let us pray together for the injured, some of whom are in a serious condition, and especially for young Melissa, the innocent victim of a brutal crime, and for her grieving family.”
Ratzinger went on to say: “My affectionate thoughts also go to the dear people of Emilia Romagna, affected by an earthquake a few hours ago. I am spiritually close to those who are suffering from this calamity: we implore God’s mercy for all those who died and relief from suffering for the wounded.”
Earlier, Benedict XVI had dwelt on the meaning of this Sunday, devoted to social communications.
“I invite all to pray so that communications, in all forms, may always serve to establish a genuine dialogue with others, founded on mutual respect, listening and sharing… Silence is an integral part of communication,” he added. “It is a privileged place for encountering the Word of God and our brothers and sisters.”
Raztinger also addressed the thousands of members of the Italian Pro-Life Movement, who met this morning in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
“I encourage and urge you to always be witnesses and builders of a culture of life… Dear friends,” said the Pope, “your movement has always been committed to defending human life, according to the teachings of the Church. In this line you have announced a new initiative called Uno di Noi [One of Us] to uphold the dignity and rights of every human being from conception.”
The pontiff also referred to Catholics in China. “We join in prayer with all Catholics in China, that they may announce with humility and joy Christ’s so that they may announce with humility and joy the Risen Christ, be faithful to his Church and the Successor of Peter and live their daily life in a manner consistent with the faith we profess.”
Next Thursday, 24 May, “is a day dedicated to the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, venerated with great devotion at the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai … Mary, Virgin most faithful,” said the Pope, “support the path of Chinese Catholics, render their prayer them ever more intense and precious in the eyes of the Lord, and advance the affection and the participation of the universal Church in the journey of the Church in China.”