Vatican City (Fides Service) - In the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican on Wednesday 19 February the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, welcomed some seven thousand visitors from all over the world who had come to receive his blessing and listen to his weekly teaching. Reflecting on the Canticle of Daniel 3,52-57 which says that even in the darkest moments of trial we can rest assured that God is always with us, here is what the Pope said addressing the English speaking people present: "Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Canticle found in the third chapter of the Book of Daniel is a magnificent hymn in praise of God's transcendent glory. Sung by the three young men condemned to the fiery furnace for their fidelity to the God of Israel, the Canticle evokes the holiness and power of the Creator, who dwells among his people in his holy temple in Jerusalem. This prophetic celebration of God's closeness to his People prefigures the coming of the Son of God, who in the fullness of time "took flesh and dwelt among us". In her Liturgy the Church in every age takes up this song of gratitude for God's merciful love, which guides all history to its appointed end. I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today's Audience, especially those from England, Japan and the United States. Upon you and your families I cordially invoke God's blessings of joy and peace." See text of addresses in other languages at www.fides.org SL (Fides Service 20/2/2003 EM lines 17 Words: 262)