VATICAN - On the feast of the Chair of Peter, at the midday Angelus prayer Sunday 22 February, the Pope reflected on “the singular ministry entrusted by the Lord to the head of the Apostles, to confirm and guide the Church in unity of faith” the special service which “the Bishop of Rome is called to render to the entire Christian people”.

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Feast of the Chair of Peter, 22 February, inspired the Pope to reflect on the ministry of Peter before the recitation of the Angelus prayer with thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. The feast, the Pope said “highlights the singular ministry entrusted by the Lord to the head of the Apostles, to confirm and guide the Church in unity of faith” and he continued: “the ‘ministerium petrinum’, the special service which the Bishop of Rome is called to render to the entire Christian people, consists of this. It is an indispensable mission based not on human prerogatives but on Christ himself who is the corner stone of the ecclesial Community. Let us pray that the Church, in the variety of cultures, languages and traditions, may be unanimous in believing and professing the truths of faith and morals handed down by the Apostles.”
The Pope then urged those present to “look to Christ” especially in the approaching Season of Lent, an opportune time for intensifying efforts to become more like Christ: “The time of Lent will be in this way an opportunity for self-examination with sincerity and truth to put order in our life and in our relations with others and with God.” (S.L.) (Fides Service 23/2/2004 - lines 16; words 228)