00 02/10/2009 10:21




Friday, Oct. 2

FEAST OF THE GUARDIAN ANGELS



OR today.


Papal stories in today's issue: The Holy Father meets with the President of Pakistan (photo) and says
farewell to authorities and service personnel in Castel Gandolfo - he returns to the Vatican Saturday from
the summer residence. Page 1 stories: Indonesia's Sumatra island and Samoa islands suffer earthquake/
tsunami consequences; multinational talks open in Geneva with Iran; and President Obama takes his time
on deciding new strategy for Afghan war.




THE POPE'S DAY

The Holy Father today received three new ambassadors who presented their credentials to the Holy See:

- H.E. Madame Mercedes Arrastia Tuason, from the Philippines
- H.E. Baroness Henriette Johanna Cornelia Maria van Lynden-Leijten, from the Netherlands
- H.E. Miguel Humberto Díaz, from the United States of America.

All addresses were in English.


He also met with
- Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and its Governatorate
- Mons. Orlando Antonini, Apostolic Nuncio to Serbia
- H.E. Raúl Roa Kourí, outgoing ambassador from Cuba, on farewell visit
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops


The Pope returns to the Vatican tomorrow morning after a two-month summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.



Pope reaches out to
Indonesian earthquake victims




The Vatican released the text of the Holy Father's condolences for the victims of the Sumatra earthquake:


MONS. LEOPOLDO GIRELLI
APOSTOLIC NUNCIO
INDONESIA

DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE RECENT DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKES AFFECTING INDONESIA, HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI PRAYS FOR THE VICTIMS AND THEIR GRIEVING FAMILIES, INVOKING ETERNAL REST UPON THE DECEASED AND DIVINE STRENGTH AND CONSOLATION ON ALL WHO ARE SUFFERING.

HIS HOLINESS LIKEWISE ENCOURAGES THE RESCUE WORKERS AND ALL INVOLVED IN PROVIDING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO THE VICTIMS OF THIS DISASTER TO PERSEVERE IN THEIR EFFORTS TO BRING RELIEF, COMFORT AND SUPPORT

CARDINAL TARCISIO BERTONE
SECRETARY OF STATE



[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 02/10/2009 13:47]