Jesus showed God is near though his miracles, pope says at Angelus

Published: 2008-01-28

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Through his healings and miracles, Jesus showed that God is near and merciful to everyone, Pope Benedict XVI said. "The novelty of Christ's message is that in him God has come closer, that he already reigns in our midst as demonstrated by the miracles and healings he performs," Pope Benedict said. The pope spoke to thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his weekly Angelus address Jan. 27. Together with two Italian children from Rome's Catholic Action, the largest lay association of Catholics in Italy, the pope released two white doves from his apartment window as a symbol of peace. The pope, who seemed pleased the doves took flight immediately, said: "Well done. Sometimes they fly back" inside the studio window. He thanked the association's young people for taking part in the annual dove-release tradition and praised their commitment to helping other children who suffer from war and poverty.

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