Feast of Assumption is reminder that love conquers hatred, pope says

Published: 2006-08-15

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- The feast of Mary's assumption into heaven is a reminder that in the end love and peace will conquer hatred and violence, Pope Benedict XVI said. Celebrating an early morning Mass Aug. 15 in the small parish church at Castel Gandolfo and reciting the Angelus at noon with visitors to the papal summer residence, the pope prayed for Mary's intercession for peace in the world. Mary's assumption, body and soul, into heaven is a divine reassurance that "love, and not hatred, will conquer. Peace will win," the pope told the 200 people crowded into the Church of St. Thomas. Those inside included Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who is about to retire as Vatican secretary of state, and Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, the pope's older brother, who is staying at the summer residence.

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