VATICAN - The Pope’s reflection on All Saints Day: “The pilgrim Church on earth lifts her eyes to heaven and exults as she joins the choir of those whom God has associated with his glory”. Special prayer for victims of terrorism and for peace in the world

Vatican City (Fides Service) - At midday on All Saints Day, November 1st, from his window overlooking St Peter’s Square, Pope John Paul II, prayed the Angelus prayer with the people gathered for the occasion and reflected on the feast of All Saints and also on November 2, the Day of commemoration of all the faithful departed.
The celebration of the Eucharist in honour of all the Saints opens with a call to rejoice: “The pilgrim Church on earth lifts her eyes to heaven and exults as she joins the choir of those whom God has already associated with his glory. This is the Communion of Saints! It is in the light of this wonderful mystery that tomorrow we celebrate the annual commemoration of the faithful departed. The liturgy urges us to open our hearts and to pray for all the dead, especially those most in need of divine mercy.” The Pope also voiced “a special prayer for the victims of terrorism. I feel especially close to their families, and as I ask to Lord to alleviate their grief, I invoke from Him peace for the world”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/11/2004 - Righe 13; Parole 175)