VATICAN - In the imminence of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul the Pope asks Our Lady Queen of the Apostles to watch over ‘the Church and her missionary activity all over the world’ and he encourages people to respect and protect life “also with correct and prudent behaviour on the roads”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Before reciting the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 26 June, Pope Benedict XVI mentioned the imminent feast of Saint Peter and Paul: “We will soon celebrate with great solemnity the feast of Saints Peter and Paul who sealed the proclamation of the Gospel with their blood shed here in Rome. On June 29 June at 9.30am I will preside Mass in St Peter’s Basilica and this will be a significant occasion to highlight the unity and Catholicity of the Church”. The Holy Father recalled that as customary the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is sending a delegation to take part in the Mass and he urged everyone in Rome but Romans in particular who are deeply devoted to Saints Peter and Paul the patrons of the city, to invoke their protection on the Church and its Shepherds.
In many countries the season of Summer holidays is about to begin. Wishing everyone “a few days of deserved rest and relaxation” the Pope urged those about to start a journey to reach holiday localities to take care on the roads. He said that too many people die tragically in road accidents and more than half are young people. “Life is one and it is precious: it must be respected and protected also with correct and prudent behaviour on the roads” the said. Lastly Benedict XVI prayed that Blessed Virgin Mary "who accompanies us on the path of daily life ” to protect those who are travelling and obtain God’ mercy for those killed on the streets. “In the imminence of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul let us entrust to Mary, heavenly Queen of the Apostles the Church and her missionary activity all over the world.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 27/6/2005; righe 20, parole 290)