Pope spends evening visiting Vatican civil servants

Published: 2007-06-01

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI spent a breezy spring evening with the Vatican's civil servants -- gardeners and judges included -- thanking them for their work, praying with them and encouraging them in their faith. The first appointment May 31 was an early evening visit to the governor's palace of Vatican City, where the pope blessed a new 1,012-pipe organ in the palace chapel before addressing employees outside. "Besides competence, professionalism and dedication," working in the Vatican also requires "a serious commitment of evangelical witness," Pope Benedict said. The governor's office runs Vatican City State and is responsible for the motor pool, the police and fire departments, the Vatican Museums, the gardens and buildings, postal service, stamp and coin office, grocery store, health service and a court that deals with both civil and penal matters, usually involving minor infractions such as parking violations. Pope Benedict thanked those who "work in the different sectors of our little state, from the most visible to the most hidden. I am aware of and appreciate each day the fruits of your commitment and your competence." The Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums, a predominantly U.S. group, joined the Vatican employees for the event.

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