Vatican City (Fides Service) - As on the previous two Sundays, yesterday, 5th Sunday of Lent, it was the Substitute Secretary of State, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, in St Peter’s Square who on behalf of the Pope read the message which the Pope had prepared for the usual recitation of the Angelus, led the prayer and gave the Apostolic Blessing. For his part from his room at the Gemelli Hospital the Pope was spiritually united and connected via television with the prayer. When it was over he appeared at the window to bless the crowds gathered in front of the hospital to greet him and spoke for the first time in public since his operation, wishing those present a ‘good Sunday and a good week’. Here is the Pope’s message read by Archbishop Sandri.
“Dearest Brothers and Sisters! During my stay where at the hospital Gemelli, I am very aware of the presence and attention of media operators. Today I wish to address to them a word of gratitude, because I know that not without sacrifice they carry out their appreciated service, thanks to which, Catholics all over the world can feel me close to them and they can accompany me with their affection and prayers.
Most important is role of the mass media in our era of global communication. And great is the responsibility of those who work in this field, who are called to offer regular information, respectful of the dignity of the human person and attentive to the common good. In this season of Lent which invites us to nourish ourselves more abundantly with the Word of God, I wish to recall that it is possible to nourish the spirit also through radio, television and the Internet. I am grateful to those committed to this new form of evangelisation which valorises the mass media.
Let us pray to Most Holy Mary that she may help us prepare well for Holy Week which starts next Sunday. I hope to see numerous young people at the solemn Liturgy of Palm Sunday which ideally projects us towards World Youth Day, to be held in Cologne, Germany. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/3/2005; righe 24; parole 326)