Pope laments violence, calls on Mary to help safeguard humanity

Published: 2004-09-13

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II lamented the devastating "outbursts of violence" around the world and called on the Blessed Virgin Mary to help safeguard humanity, especially young people. "May Mary watch over humanity at this time marked by disturbing outbursts of violence," the pope said to the faithful gathered at his summer residence Sept. 12 in Castel Gandolfo. "May she especially watch over the new generations who yearn to build a future of hope for all people," he said. He urged Christians to help "bring back hope to today's world that seeks peace" by paying "generous witness" to the Gospels. Before reciting the Angelus, the pope reminded the faithful that Sept. 12 marked the feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Mary's name, he said, reminds Christians "of their common mother. The dying Jesus commended us to her as her own children."

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