EUROPE/GERMANY - “The Pope’s smile will win the hearts of children”: National Director of Holy Childhood in Germany expresses his joy for the election of Benedict XVI

Thursday, 21 April 2005

Santa Cruz (Fides Service) - When Pope Benedict XVI imparted his first Blessing Urbi and Orbi on 19 April, Mgr. Winfried Pilz, director of Holy Childhood in Germany, was in Santa Cruz, in Bolivia, where he followed events on television. He explained his emotions at that moment: “For quite a few minutes I simply could not understand why my former professor aged 33 was appearing on the balcony of St Peter’s as Pope, aged 78, to greet the happy crowds and give his blessing!”.
With regard to Pope Benedict XVI and children Mgr has no doubts: “On his first appearance he kept opening his arms wide, with a charming smile which dispelled all tension. A smile like that wins the hearts of children and I am certain that as for his predecessor for the new Popechildren are important and he will let them know this. With Holy Childhood all over the world I hope he will encourage and support the missionary efforts of children”. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 21/04/2005 - 16 righe, 211 parole)


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