VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI focuses Regina Cæli reflection on Sunday May 1 on work: “may work, especially for young people, never be lacking and may working conditions always be respectful of the dignity of the human person”. Appeal for people of Togo “suffering because of painful civil strife”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - At noon on Sunday 1 May for the first time since his election, Pope Benedict XVI gave the traditional blessing from the study of the papal apartment overlooking St Peter’s Square where more than 40,000 visitors and Romans had gathered to pray with the Pope the Regina Cæli. “For the first time I address you from this window which the beloved figure of my Predecessor made familiar to countless people throughout the world” the Pope said thanking those who had sustained him with their prayers in recent days and sent messages and best wishes. The Holy Father greeted "with special affection the Orthodox Churches and the Eastern Orthodox Churches that today celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. To these dear brothers and sisters of ours, I address the traditional announcement of joy: 'Christos anesti!' Christ is Risen!" He said he hoped that Easter will be for these Churches “a choral prayer of faith and praise to the One Who is our common Lord, and Who calls us to walk decisively on the path towards full communion.”.
He also recalled the feast day of St Joseph the Worker, whose name he bears, underlining the importance of work and the presence of the Church among workers: “It is necessary to bear witness in society today to the “Gospel of work” of which John Paul II spoke in his encyclical Laborem exercens” the Pope said he hoped that everyone, especially young people, would have work and that working conditions are ever more respectful of the dignity of the human person." He had special words for the groups present in St. Peter's Square, including ACLI, the Christian Associations of Italian Workers which this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of its founding.
After encouraging Catholics to recite the Rosary prayer during this month of May which popular piety devotes to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Benedict XVI led the singing of the Regina Cæli. The Pope concluded his address recalling “all people who suffer because of war, illness and poverty. In particular, today I am close to the people of Togo, suffering because of painful civil strife. For all these nations I implore the gift of harmony and peace.". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 2/5/2005; righe 24, parole 361)