Pope says biblical Pentecost describes identity of Catholic Church

Published: 2007-05-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The biblical account of Pentecost describes the elements essential for the identity of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI said. "The church is one," just as the community gathered on the day of Pentecost was one, the pope said May 27, reciting the "Regina Coeli" prayer with visitors in St. Peter's Square. Pope Benedict said reading the account of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles at Pentecost is a reminder that "the church is holy, not on its own merits, but because, animated by the Holy Spirit, it keeps its gaze fixed on Christ in order to conform itself to him and his love." The account also proclaims that "the church is catholic, because the Gospel is destined to all people," he said. And "the church is apostolic because, built on the foundation of the apostles, it faithfully keeps their teaching through the uninterrupted chain of episcopal succession." Finally, the pope said, the church is missionary because from the day of Pentecost onward the Holy Spirit has prompted the church to bring the Gospel message to the entire world.

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