Vatican City (Fides Service) - This morning because of very bad weather in Rome Pope John Paul II still recovering from ‘influenza’ gave his general Wednesday audience from his private library by means of a video conference with thousands gathered for the occasion in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican and in St Peter’s Square. “I greet all of you and thank you for coming here today” the Holy Father told those present. “We are making our Lenten journey assisted and inspired by the Liturgy which urges us to pray, fast and do penance and to show more solidarity with our neighbour, the poor and needy in particular. Let us open our hearts to the promptings of grace. Let selfishness give way to love so we may experience the joy of forgiveness and profound reconciliation with God and with our brothers and sisters.”
At the end of his address the Pope greeted visitors in French, English, German and Spanish and had a special word of greeting for Italian missionaries in Rome for a study-meeting. Lastly the Pope led the chanting of the Our Father prayer in Latin, imparted his Apostolic Blessing and waved goodbye to the deeply moved crowds who cheered and waved in return. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/2/2005; righe 13, parole 178)