A reference to the encyclical "Deus caritas est" and to consecrated persons, models of dedication and love in various social realities.  An appeal to international organizations to defeat leprosy and poverty.  Two peace doves released from the Pope's window.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) -- Persons consecrated in poverty, chastity and obedience "are eloquent signs in the world " of God's merciful love, celebrated in the encyclical "Deus caritas est." Recalling the recently released document, Benedict XVI reaffirmed at today's Angelus "the primacy of charity in the life of Christians and in the Church", and saints as "privileged witnesses" who "have made of their existence, in thousands of different tonalities, a hymn to God-Love."  The Pope cited the past week's saints from the liturgical calendar (Paul, Timothy, Titus, Angela Merici, Thomas Aquinas) and the saints mentioned in his Encyclical, who are "known mainly for their charity": John of God, Camillo de Lellis, Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, Giuseppe Cottolengo, Luigi Orione, Teresa of Calcutta.  In referring to them, all consecrated persons, the Pope reaffirmed "the importance of consecrated life as an expression and school of charity" and the "imitation of Christ in chastity, poverty and obedience....entirely geared to the attainment of perfect charity."  To indicate to the entire Church the importance of the state of the evangelical counsels, Benedict XVI will preside Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica on February 2, Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and World Day for Consecrated Life.

After praying the Angelus, the Pope reminded everyone of World Leprosy Day, instituted by Raoul Follereau and at its fiftieth edition today.  Benedict XVI sent a greeting to "those who suffer from this illness," and encouraged "missionaries, health workers and volunteers committed to this frontier of service to man."  He then added that, "Leprosy is the symptom of a worse and vaster evil, which is poverty.  For this reason, in line with my Predecessors, I renew the appeal to leaders of Nations, that they may unite their forces to overcome the serious imbalances that still penalize a large part of humanity."

Greeting Polish prilgrims, the pope expressed his sorrow and closeness with the families of the victims of the Katowice disaster.  Due to the weight of snow, the roof of a building, in which an exhibition was taking place, caved in, killing 65 people.  "I entrust the deceased to God's mercy, " the Pontiff  said, "In spirit, I join their relatives and those who were injured in the incident."

Finally, Benedict XVI greeted in Italian the young people of Rome's Catholic Action who were in Saint Peter's Square to conclude a month of studies dedicated to peace.  "Dear young people!  I know that you have set yourselves the task of 'training yourself towards peace', guided by the great 'trainer', who is Jesus," the Pontiff said.  He also added, "For this reason, I entrust to Catholic Action the task that I proposed to everyone in my Message for January 1st: learn to always say and do the truth; in this way you will become builders of peace."  In concluding his address from the window of his study, the Pope, together with a child, released two doves, symbols of peace.  Benedict XVI joked when one of the two, instead of flying out into the open, took refuge inside.  "The dove of peace wants to stay with the Pope," he said, "But it will find his freedom."

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