VATICAN - In St Peter’s the Pope meets and blesses the sick: “As we look at Mary our heart opens to hope…Immaculate Mary is the wonderful sign of the victory of life over death, love over sin, salvation over all sickness of body or soul ”.

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Once again St Peter’s Basilica throws open its doors to the sick: to you who are present and ideally to sick persons all over the world. With deep affection dearest sick people I greet you. Since this morning my prayers have been for you especially and now I am very happy to meet you.” This was how Pope John Paul II addressed hundreds of sick people and thousands of helpers and accompanying persons gathered in the afternoon of Wednesday February 11 in St Peter’s for Mass presided by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope’s vicar of Rome diocese. The Pope went down to the Basilica to bless the participants and take part in the candlelight singing of the hymn to Our Lady of Lourdes.
“Today once again our eyes turn to the venerated image of Mary in the grotto at Massabielle - the Pope said in his address -. At her feet there is an inscription with the words: "I am the Immaculate Conception"... Looking at Mary our hearts open to hope, because we see the great things worked by God when with humility we are ready to do his will. Immaculate Mary is the wonderful sign of the victory of life over death, love over sin, salvation over sickness of body or soul ”.
Before imparting his blessing, the Holy Father asked Our Lady of Lourdes to protect the sick, the doctors, the nurses and helpers and concluded by saying: “thank you for the prayers and sacrifices which you so generously offer for me! I assure you of my constant prayers and with affection I bless you all.”
(S.L.) (Fides Service 12/2/2004 - lines 19; words 278)