VATICAN - The Pope’s Angelus reflection: “We cannot enter eternal life unless we carry our cross united with Christ. We cannot obtain happiness and peace without facing with courage the interior battle”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Yesterday, 1st Sunday of Lent, Pope John Paul II was back once again at the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican to recite the Angelus prayer with people gathered in St Peter’s square for his blessing. First of all the Pope thanked those present and those connected via radio and television, for their “closeness, affection and above all prayers during my stay at the hospital Policlinico Gemelli. I continue to feel the need for your help before the Lord to carry on the mission entrusted to me by Jesus.”
Referring to the Season of Lent which has just started the Pope said that every year this Liturgical season “reminds us of a fundamental truth: We cannot enter eternal life unless we carry our cross united with Christ. We cannot obtain happiness and peace without facing with courage the interior battle. This battle is won with the weapons of penance: prayer, fasting and works of mercy. This must be done in secret, without hypocrisy, in a sincere spirit of love for God and our brothers and sisters.”
Pope John Paul II then told those present that later that day he would begin the annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises with his co-workers in the Roman Curia: “In silence and recollection I will pray to the Lord for all the needs of the Church and the world. I ask you too, dearest Brothers and Sisters to accompany us with your prayers.”
After the Angelus prayer the Pope made this appeal: “As I continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, I make a heartfelt appeal for the release of the Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena and all hostages in Iraq.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2005; righe 20; parole 286)