BENEDICT XVI GREETS FAITHFUL AT STUDY WINDOW FOR FIRST TIME
VATICAN CITY, MAY 1, 2005 (VIS) -� Today at noon, for the first time
since
his election to the papacy on April 19, Pope Benedict XVI appeared at
the
window of the study of the papal apartment to recite the Regina Coeli
and
address the tens of thousands of faithful that filled St. Peter's
Square.
The Pope had been living in the Vatican's St. Martha Residence since
his
election and moved into the apartment on Saturday.
� "I address you for the first time from this window that the beloved
figure
of my predecessor made familiar to countless people throughout the
world.
>From Sunday to Sunday, John Paul II, faithful to an appointment which
had
become a pleasant custom, accompanied for over a quarter of a century
the
history of the Church and the world and we continue to feel him more
than
ever close to us."
� The Holy Father greeted "with special affection the Orthodox Churches
and
the Eastern Orthodox Churches that today celebrate the Resurrection of
Christ. To these dear brothers and sisters of ours, I address the
traditional announcement of joy: 'Christos anesti!' Christ is Risen!"
He
said he hoped that Easter will be for these Churches " a choral prayer
of
faith and praise to the One Who is our common Lord, and Who calls us to
walk
decisively on the path towards full communion."
� "Today we begin the month of May with a liturgical memory so dear to
Christians, that of St. Joseph the Worker." He then added, to the
applause
of the faithful: "You know that my name is also Joseph!" Noting that
this
feast was instituted 50 years ago by Pius XII "to underline the
importance
of� work and of the presence of Christ and the Church in the world of
work,"
the Pope said he hoped that everyone, especially young people, would
have
work "and that working conditions are ever more respectful of the
dignity of
the human person." He had special words for the groups present in St.
Peter's Square, including ACLI, the Christian Associations of Italian
Workers which this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of its
founding.
� Turning his thoughts to Mary, to whom the month of May is dedicated,
Benedict XVI remarked how, "through words, and even more by example,
John
Paul II taught us to contemplate Christ with the eyes of Mary."
� Following the Regina Coeli prayer, the Holy Father said that in
recent
days he has been thinking "of all people who suffer because of war,
illness
and poverty. In particular, today I am close to the people of Togo,
upset by
painful internal struggles. For all these nations I implore the gift of
harmony and peace."