VATICAN - The Pope recalls the important cultural and evangelising work of Saints Cyril and Methodius in eastern Europe: “Also in our day may the universal Message of Christ entrusted to the Church be the light of truth and source of justice and peace for peoples of the continent and of the whole world

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Addressing the crowds in St Peter’s Square from his window on Sunday 15 February Pope John Paul II reflected on the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius “apostles of the Slav peoples and with Saint Benedict patrons of Europe” whose liturgical feast falls on 14 February.
“Evangelising the central and eastern regions of the Continent, they made a determinant contribution to enable Europe to breathe with both lungs: that of the west and that of the east - the Pope said -. In fact it is impossible to think of European civilisation without the work and heritage of Benedict just as it cannot be separated from the evangelising and social activity of the two holy Brothers of Saloniki.”
Recalling that more countries are about to join the European Union, including those in which these two Saints worked, the Pope said these nations bring with them “specific cultural and spiritual heritage: in them Christianity exercised a strong force of cohesion with respect for their special characteristics.” And he concluded “The encounter between the Gospel and cultures made Europe into a "laboratory" in which, through the centuries significant and lasting values were consolidated. Let us pray that also in our day the universal Message of Christ entrusted to the Church be the light of truth and source of justice and peace for peoples of the continent and of the whole world
.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 16/2/2004 - lines 18; words 242)