Pope tells cardinals, bishops to preach Gospel 'to the last breath'

Published: 2003-10-20

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II told cardinals and bishops assembled for his 25th anniversary that their common duty was to preach the Gospel "to the last breath." The pope said that in evangelizing the credibility of church leaders depends on the unity they show among themselves and the commitment they show to the world's poor. The pope addressed more than 250 cardinals and heads of bishops' conferences Oct. 18 at the close of a four-day conference that reviewed the main themes of his pontificate's first 25 years. Although the pope did not attend the speech-giving sessions, he summed up the focus of his pastoral ministry in a short speech, which was delivered in part by an aide. In the face of the many changes over the last 25 years, he said, one thing has remained constant: the need for the pope and bishops to be fearless witnesses of truth and hope.

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