VATICAN - “The Immaculate Conception, beacon of light for humanity of every epoch, illuminates especially the path of the Church committed to new evangelisation” the Pope said at the Angelus prayer. He also launched an appeal that the “beloved people of Iraq may at last experience times of reconciliation and peace ”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Pope spoke again in his reflection before the Angelus prayer from his study window at midday about the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception 150 years ago by Blessed Pope Pius IX. “The privilege of being preserved from original sin means she is the first to be redeemed by her Son. Her sublime beauty is a pledge for all believers of the victory of divine Grace over sin and death” the Pope said. “The Immaculate Conception is a beacon of light for humanity in every epoch. At the beginning of the third millennium it orients us to believe and hope in God, in his salvation and in eternal life. It illuminates especially the path of the Church committed to new evangelisation.”
After the Angelus prayer the Pope made another appeal for peace in Iraq: “Yesterday evening in Mosul, in Iraq, an Armenian Apostolic church and the Chaldean Archbishop’s Residence were destroyed. I express my sympathy with the faithful, deeply grieved by the attack and I ask God through the intercession of Immaculate Mary, that the beloved people of Iraq may at last experience times of reconciliation and peace.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2004 - Righe 14; Parole 201)