World News
Pope Benedict says Blessed Pope John always worked for unity, peace
Published: October 28, 2008
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Marking the 50th anniversary of the election of Blessed Pope John XXIII, Pope Benedict XVI said his predecessor always worked to increase agreement, hope, unity and peace. "The pope was a man of peace and a pastor of peace who knew how to open unexpected horizons for fraternity among Christians and dialogue with all in the East and the West," Pope Benedict said after praying at the tomb of Blessed Pope John. Some 3,000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Bergamo, the home diocese of Blessed Pope John, traveled to the Vatican to mark the anniversary of his Oct. 28, 1958, election. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, presided at the evening memorial Mass with the pilgrims, while Pope Benedict joined them later for prayers at the pope's tomb and for a brief address. Bishop Roberto Amadei of Bergamo told Pope Benedict that his diocese wanted to give thanks to God for the papacy of Blessed Pope John and for "having sustained in him the docility of the Holy Spirit so that he could be a living image of the Good Shepherd."
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