Pope blesses the crowd from a window of the Gemelli Hospital
Rome (AsiaNews) At noon, the curtains of the 10th floor hospital room were pulled back. A few minutes later, the Pope appeared silent and thoughtful, looking out into the courtyard.
The Deputy Secretary of State, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, read the text of the Pope's message in which the Pontiff expressed his gratitude to the staff of the Gemelli Hospital.
"To each and all," the Pope said, "I express my gratitude which becomes a constant invocation to the Lord according to your intentions as well as the needs of the Church and the great causes of the world".
The Pope then spoke about 'Pro-Life Day", which is celebrated today in Italy.
"Silently, unborn children demand trust in life. Children left without a family for various reasons demand trust to find a family to adopt or foster them".
The Pope thanked the Italian Bishops for their commitment to support life and the dignity of every human being.
At the end of the Angelus, in a still faint and hoarse voice, John Paul II gave his apostolic blessing from the window of his hospital room as thousands of the faithful applauded in St Peter's Square as well as in the courtyard of the Gemelli Hospital.
Here is the text of the Pope's message as read by Archbishop Sandri:
"Today I speak to you from the Gemelli Hospital where I am staying for a few days under the loving care of doctors, nurses and hospital staff, whom I thank from my heart.
"I am most grateful to you, dearest brothers and sisters, and to all those around the world who are close to me, for your sincere and committed affection which I have felt especially strong these days.
"To each and all I express my heartfelt gratitude which becomes a constant invocation to the Lord according to your intentions as well as the needs of the Church and the great causes of the world. Therefore, even here in hospital, among the sick to whom go my thoughts and affection, I continue to serve the Church and the entire humanity.
"Today is 'Pro-Life Day' in Italy. For the occasion, the Italian Bishops' Conference released a statement in which they focus on the mystery of life as a relationship that requires trust. We must trust life!
"Silently, unborn children demand trust in life. Children left without a family for various reasons demand trust to find a family to adopt or foster them.
"I especially think about the beloved people of Italy and all those who care about life that is coming into this world.
"I stand with the Italian Bishops who urge Catholics and people of good will to defend the fundamental right to life whilst showing respect for the dignity of every human being.
"Mary, Queen of families, help us win the 'challenge of life' which is the first among today's challenges to humanity."
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11/02/2009
