VATICAN - At the Angelus, the Pope remembers “the moving sacrifice of the life of the Pakistani Minister Shahbaz Bhatti” along with numerous others who have died and the “growing humanitarian crisis” in Libya

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “I am continuously following with great concern the tensions which are currently being manifested in various countries of Africa and Asia,” said Pope Benedict XVI after reciting the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square, on Sunday, 6 March. “I ask the Lord Jesus,” said the Pope “that the moving sacrifice of the life of the Pakistani minister Shahbaz Bhatti may arouse in people's consciences the courage and commitment to defend the religious freedom of all men and, in this way, to promote their equal dignity. My thoughts also turn to Libya where recent clashes have left many dead and created a growing humanitarian crisis. To all the victims, and to all those who find themselves in harrowing situations, I give assurances of my closeness and prayers, while at the same time invoking aid and assistance for everyone affected.”
Introducing the Marian prayer, the Holy Father stopped to comment on Sunday's Gospel reading, “the conclusion to the 'Sermon on the Mount' in which the Lord Jesus, using the parable of the two houses, one built on rock and the other on sand, invites the disciples to listen to His words and put them into practice.” The Pope urged the faithful “to make space for the Word of God every day” because it helps “to protect us from superficial activism, which may fill a moment of pride but which in the end leaves us empty and dissatisfied.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 07/03/2011)