VATICAN - At the Angelus prayer the Pope recalls St John the Baptist and all martyrs for the faith “who have courageously followed his footsteps through the centuries... In a special way the many Christians victims in the last century of religious hatred in various countries of Europe ”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Sunday 29 August, the date on which the Church recalls the martyrdom of St John the Baptist who “bore supreme witness to God offering his life for truth and justice”, in his address before the recitation of the midday Angelus prayer Pope John Paul II focused on the theme of martyrdom. Addressing several hundred lucky visitors who managed to cram into the courtyard of his Summer Residence in Castelgandolfo, the Pope said, “martyrdom is an outstanding sign of the holiness of the Church (Veritatis Splendor n. 93). Martyrdom ‘represents the high point of the witness to moral truth’ (ibid.). Although relatively few are called to make the supreme sacrifice, ‘there is nonetheless a consistent witness which all Christians must daily be ready to make, even at the cost of suffering and grave sacrifice’ (ibid.). Very often we are called to make a heroic effort even in daily life to resist difficulties which
Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Sunday 29 August, the date on which the Church recalls the martyrdom of St John the Baptist who “bore supreme witness to God offering his life for truth and justice”, in his address before the recitation of the midday Angelus prayer Pope John Paul II focused on the theme of martyrdom. Addressing several hundred lucky visitors who managed to cram into the courtyard of his Summer Residence in Castelgandolfo, the Pope said, “martyrdom is an outstanding sign of the holiness of the Church (Veritatis Splendor n. 93). Martyrdom ‘represents the high point of the witness to moral truth’ (ibid.). Although relatively few are called to make the supreme sacrifice, ‘there is nonetheless a consistent witness which all Christians must daily be ready to make, even at the cost of suffering and grave sacrifice’ (ibid.). Very often we are called to make a heroic effort even in daily life to resist difficulties which push us to compromise and to live the Gospel "sine glossa".”
Referring to the heroic example of John the Baptist, the Pope said “he reminds us of the martyrs for the faith who down through the centuries have courageously followed in his footsteps. In a special way I think of the numerous Christians who were victims of religious hatred in the last century in various countries of Europe. Even today, in certain parts of the world, believers are subject to hardship because of their loyalty to Christ and his Church. May these brothers and sisters feel the full solidarity of the entire ecclesial community!” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/8/2004 - Righe 17; Parole 251)







Referring to the heroic example of John the Baptist, the Pope said “he reminds us of the martyrs for the faith who down through the centuries have courageously followed in his footsteps. In a special way I think of the numerous Christians who were victims of religious hatred in the last century in various countries of Europe. Even today, in certain parts of the world, believers are subject to hardship because of their loyalty to Christ and his Church. May these brothers and sisters feel the full solidarity of the entire ecclesial community!” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/8/2004 - Righe 17; Parole 251)
See the Pope’s address
http://www.evangelizatio.org/portale/adgentes/pontefici/pontefice.php?id=162