Pope: mission is born from experience and proclamation of God's love

Benedict XVI made an appeal for Iraq that the world may help in its reconstruction, "in the search for shared equilibrium, in mutual respect, and in the knowledge that the multiplicity of its parts is an integral part of its richness." He also sent best wishes of serenity and peace to all Muslims for the end of Ramadan.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Missionary work is born from an awareness of the love of God and finds expression in announcing this love to the world, as St Francis did 800 years ago, otherwise it would be "reduced to philanthropic activities and social work".  Today, the 80th World Mission Day, Benedict XVI naturally dedicated his words to mission as he addressed 40,000 pilgrims in St Peter's Square before the Angelus. The tragic situation in Iraq was mentioned by the pope after recital of the Marian prayer, with an appeal to the world to help this people to rebuild their homeland and to Iraqis themselves to realise that different ethnicities and religions are a source of richness.

A large crowd turned up for the Angelus, despite the grey and rainy weather: Latin Americans were particularly numerous today and a big group held a procession in Via Conciliazione, accompanied by a band and bearing images of the crucifix and Our Lady.

Before the prayer, Benedict XVI recalled that his message for World Mission Day was based on the theme "Charity, the soul of mission". He said: "In effect, mission, if not animated by love, is reduced to philanthropic activities and social work. For Christians, however, the words of the apostle Paul apply: 'For the love of Christ urges us on' (2 Cor 5:14)".

The pope continued: "Mission starts from the heart: when one pauses to pray before the Crucifix, with eyes turned towards the piercing that cost so dear, one cannot help experiencing within the joy of knowing one is loved and the desire to love and to become an instrument of mercy and reconciliation. This is what happened, 800 years ago, to the young Francis of Assisi, in the chapel of San Damiano, which had fallen into neglect. From the top of the Cross, now kept in the Basilica of St Clare, Francis heard Jesus telling him: 'Go, repair my house which, as you see, is in ruins.' That 'house' was first of all his own life, to be 'repaired' through a real conversion; it was the Church, not the building made of bricks, but of living people, always in need of purification; it was all of mankind, in who God loves to dwell."

He said: "Mission always starts out from the heart transformed by the love of God, as testified to by countless stories of saints and martyrs, who in different ways gave their life for the service of the Gospel. Mission is therefore a place where there is room for all: for those committed to implementing the Kingdom of God in their families; for those who undertake their profession in a Christian spirit; for those who consecrate themselves totally to the Lord; for those who follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in ordained ministry with the People of God; for those who, specifically, take off to proclaim Christ to those who do not know him yet. The Most Blessed Virgin helps us to live with renewed momentum the joy and courage of mission, each in the place where Providence has put him."

After the recital of the Angelus, Benedict XVI sent "cordial greetings to Muslims of the whole world who, in these days, are celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. To all, I send wishes of serenity and peace!"

The Pope finally said: "The news coming from Iraq is in dramatic contrast to this joyful atmosphere, news about the very serious security situation and the cruel violence that many innocent people are subject to, just because they are Shiites, Sunnis or Christians. I can perceive the vivid concerns of Christian communities and I want to assure them that I am close to them, as to all the victims, and I ask for strength and consolation for all. Further, I invite you to join in my plea to the Almighty that he may give the necessary faith and courage to religious and political leaders, both at local and international level, to support this people on the road of reconstruction of their Homeland, in the search for shared equilibrium, in mutual respect, and in the knowledge that the multiplicity of its parts is an integral part of its richness."

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