In a note sent this morning to all the faithful of the Diocese of Rome, the cardinal vicar, Agostino Vallini, exhorted the faithful to surround Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Saint Peter’s Square, for the last general audience of his pontificate.
He described the meeting as a “significant moment in the life of the Church and of our diocese, to manifest once again our affection and devotion to the Holy Father, and to pray with him and for him to the Lord Jesus, eternal Shepherd of the Church.”
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Most beloved faithful of the diocese of Rome,
On Wednesday, February 27 at 10:30 am the Holy Father will hold the last General Audience of his Pontificate in Saint Peter’s Square.
Over these years our diocesan community has experienced many times the paternal closeness of Pope Benedict XVI, who has never failed to give us his illumined word to direct us in our spiritual and pastoral journey. The visits he made to the parishes and to other realities have enabled many of us to appreciate his meekness and the precision of his mind.
Therefore, I wish to invite you all to participate in great numbers in this significant moment of the life of the Church and of our diocese, to manifest once again our affection and devotion to the Holy Father and to pray with and for him to the Lord Jesus, eternal Shepherd of the Church.
Tickets will not be necessary to enter Saint Peter’s Square, in order to favor the greatest participation possible.
While inviting all to persevere in prayer for Pope Benedict, we also invoke the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, for the cardinals who will be called to elect the new Bishop of Rome.
May the Lord bless you.
Cardinal Agostino Vallini
February 19, 2013
