Pope calls on Christians to be sowers of peace, mercy and hope

Published: 2004-06-01

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Believers in Christ can bring peace, mercy and hope, said Pope John Paul II on Pentecost, the feast that marks the beginning of the church's mission on earth. "With Pentecost, God's plan was fulfilled ... to give life to a new people," the pope said before praying the "Regina Coeli" from his apartment window overlooking St. Peter's Square. The church celebrates Pentecost 50 days after Easter to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It was a promise Jesus made to his disciples, the pope said, that they "be baptized by the Holy Spirit and receive the strength to bring the Gospel to all nations on earth." The day marks the birth of the church, which is "made up of men and women of every race and culture," he said.

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