Pope meets with Rome priests, promises them his prayers daily

Published: 2005-05-13

R0ME (CNS) -- While apologizing that he cannot have the personal relationship with each of the priests of the Diocese of Rome that other bishops have with their priests, Pope Benedict XVI promised them his prayers daily. Pope Benedict spent almost two hours May 13 with the priests of the diocese in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, his diocesan cathedral. Seated behind a large wood table, with his glasses perched on the end of his nose, he read his prepared text, but also frequently raised his eyes from the text to explain a point in more detail. Rome, he said, "is a truly special diocese because of the universal care with which the Lord has entrusted its bishop. Therefore, your relationship, dear priests, with your diocesan bishop cannot have that daily immediacy that is possible in other situations."

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