Cardinal Bagnasco presents book on
Benedict XVI's pastoral trips in Italy
Translated from
the Italian service of
ROME, Jan. 21 (ZENIT.org) - The bond between Benedict XVI and Italy is one of reciprocal affection, very much like between a father and his children, according to Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, Archbishop of Genoa and president of the Italian bishops' conference (CEI).
Bagnasco spoke at the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See during the formal presentation of a book about the Holy Father's pastoral trips in Italy from May 2005 to September 2009,
I Viaggi di Benedetto XVI in Italia, published by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana in collaboration with the Italian embassy and edited by Prof. Pierluca Azzaro.
The cardinal underscored the "special closeness and affection of the Vicar of Christ for our nation and for the Church in Italy".
"The Holy Father's travels in Italy," he said, "must be seen in the wider context fof his many attentions to the land that has become for more than 30 years his adopted country, especially since he became Pope. He loves Italy as a father, and Italy reciprocates that with filial affection."
He pointed out that the dominant note of all the pastoral trips is the heart of the Pope's mission as Successor to Peter - "as the Lord said to Peter: 'I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers in the faith" (Lk 22,32).
"Does not every encounter with the Pope inspire such a profound perception? Of being confirmed in our faith in Christ, of being more convinced and more strong, of better savoring its beauty and its joy?"
The Petrine ministry, he said, is a charism "that resolves all possible barriers and mistrusts; is capable of building bridges because it is unarmed and disarming - a charism that comes from on high, from the God of peace and love".
"This is not a charism," he stressed, "that inspires transient festiveness that has more to do with folklore, but it unlocks sentiments and energies which at times, seem spent, but when unleashed can touch even the curious onlooker... and rekindle hope, through seeing this gentle being who asks us to look far in order to be able to see closely."
The Pope, he said, conveys to his flock with "the hope that speaks to us of God and of his Son Jesus Christ. He reminds us of the great and fascinating demands of Christian life, which manifests the beauty of the Church and shows the world the way to Heaven".
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 26/01/2010 21:55]