First papal audience on Benedict, a name that is a plan for Europe's reconciliation and renaissance
Vatican City (AsiaNews) Benedict XVI held his first general audience in St Peter's Square. The new Pontiff met faithful and pilgrims from Italy and around the world. It was the first such meeting since January 26, John Paul II's last general audience.
Benedict XVI's first general audience followed the pattern set by his predecessor. He thanked "the people of God" for the support they give to his ministry to which he was called with "astonishment and gratitude".
He then went on to explain the reasons for choosing the name Benedict. The first reason was tied to Benedict XV, a "courageous and true prophet of peace", a man who fought to avoid war and then "to limit its foul consequences".
"I place my ministry in his footsteps [to be] in the service of reconciliation and harmony among people and between nations," Benedict XVI explained. "I am profoundly convinced that the greater good that is peace is first of all God's fragile and precious gift that we must invoke, protect and build day after day, helped by everyone".
The second reason for the name Benedict lies in Saint Benedict of Norcia, the "Patriarch of western monasticism", who is much venerated in Germany.
"He is a fundamental point of reference for the unity of Europe and the inherent Christian roots of its culture and civilisation".
The Pope said that focusing on Europe's Christian roots comes through the reborn love for Christ in line with St Benedict's principles.
"In the beginning of my service as successor to Peter I ask him to help us all to hold firm to the centrality of Christ in our Christian life. May Christ always take first place in our thoughts and actions," he said.
The Pope remembered John Paul II who, as part of the Church's programme for the third millennium, had called on Christian communities to teach how to prayer and worship as well as build a relationship to Jesus Christ "until the heart truly falls in love" (Novo Millennio Ineunte, n. 33).
Like John Paul II and as a way to train for prayer, Pope Benedict XVI decided that the audiences shall be devoted to commenting the psalms, canticles and vespers, a practice that his predecessor started.
After his aides provided a summary of the catechesis in various languages, Benedict XVI extended a special welcome to the faithful in German, English, French, Spanish, Polish and Italian.
The audience ended with the singing of the Pater Noster and the apostolic blessing to the "dear friends".
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