God never leaves people, even at moment of death, says pope

Published: 2005-12-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God never leaves his creatures alone, not even at the moment of death when each person must complete his or her journey without the company of anyone else, Pope Benedict XVI said. God continually stretches out his hand to guide those he loves, the pope said Dec. 14 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. "His closeness is not one of judgment that incites terror, but one of support and liberation," the pope said. Offering a reflection on Psalm 139 and its praise of God who is "all knowing and ever present," Pope Benedict set aside his prepared text to focus on the extent to which God remains with each individual not only in life, but also at the moment of death.

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