01/01/2004

Pope: special thanks to Ciampi and to St.Egidio Community

(AGI) - Vatican city, Jan.1 - "A special thanks to president Ciampi for the new year's wishes he sent to me" said pope John Paul II today. "I will pray for him and his office, and for peace and prosperity for the Italian people". That's what the pope said during the Angelus this morning, as he overlooked St.Peter's square, crowded by more than 10,000 people, participating to the "Peace in every land" event, organised by the St.Egidio community and other Catholic associations such as ACLI. "I salute all the participants of the St.Egidio parade. Peace is mainly a gift of god, but also a project which needs everyone's contribution. That's what I pointed out in the World Day of Peace, stressing an always topical issue, educating people to peace. May the holy Mary help us build this peace, a divine gift and daily achievement of mankind. I wish this to the entire world with all my heart, invoking God's blessing for the human family and to all you people and all those who are following us on TV and on the radio. May peace and prosperity be with you in the new year". Once the Angelus prayer was over, the Pope, who seemed to be rather tired after all these rites, then pronounced "Happy new year" in seven languages. (AGI)