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A Day of Prayer for the Mideast

26-Nov-07
Zenit

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Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today after celebrating the Eucharist with the new cardinals created in Saturday’s consistory and before reciting the midday Angelus.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters!

On Tuesday, at Annapolis in the United States, Israelis and Palestinians, with the help of the international community, intend to re-launch the negotiation process to find a just and definitive solution to the conflict that has bloodied the Holy Land for 60 years and provoked so many tears and so much suffering among the two peoples. I ask you to join yourselves to the day of prayer declared today by the U.S. bishops' conference to implore the Spirit of God for peace for that region so dear to us and to give wisdom and courage to all the protagonists in this important meeting.

After the conclusion of today’s solemn celebration, I would like to address my cordial greetings to all present, including those who are outside the basilica. I express special gratitude to those faithful who have come from far away to accompany the new cardinals and participate in this event, which manifests in a singular manner the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. To the distinguished civil authorities I renew my deferential sentiments.

[After the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted those present in several languages. In English, he said:]
I am happy to greet all the English-speaking pilgrims who have come to attend the Consistory, especially those from Iraq, Ireland, India, Kenya and the United States of America. Let us give thanks to God for the gift of these new Cardinals and strive to follow closely in the footsteps of Christ our King, bearing constant witness to his saving truth! I wish you all a pleasant stay in Rome, and a blessed Sunday!