VATICAN - THE POPE’S ANGELUS REFLECTION ON THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY: “THE STAR THAT LED THE WISE MEN TO CHRIST RECALLS THE RICH SYMBOLISM OF LIGHT…GOD IS LIGHT AND THE WORD MADE MAN IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, A LIGHT TO GUIDE THE WANDERING OF PEOPLES

Vatican City (Fides Service) – During his midday Angelus reflection on Tuesday 6 January, the feast of the Epiphany a bank holiday in many countries including Italy, before blessing the people gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope John Paul II explained the significance of the star which led the Three Wise Men to adore the new born Child in Bethlehem and he recalled Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Bethlehem 40 years ago to the day. “On today’s feast of the Epiphany the Gospel of Matthew tells of a mysterious star which guides the Wise Men to Jerusalem and then Bethlehem where they adore the Infant Jesus. The star that led the Wise Men to Christ recalls the rich symbolism of light…God is light and the Word made Man is the light of the world, a light to guide the wandering of peoples ”
The Holy Father then recalled some memorable words spoken by Pope Paul VI on January 6, 1964, in the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem: "". And he added that Christianity in the midst of humanity is a mission of friendship, understanding, encouragement, promotion, progress: a mission, that is, of salvation.”
From the birthplace of the Prince of Peace Paul VI urged the leaders of nations to strive for ever closer collaboration "to install peace in truth, justice, freedom and brotherly love": this appeal was re-launched by John Paul II who invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “star for humanity on its pilgrimage through time”. S.L.) (Fides Service 7/1/2004 – lines 21; words 287)