Pope thanks media for connecting him with world

Vatican City, Mar 13, 2005 / 22:00 pm

In his reflections for Sunday’s weekly Angelus prayer, Pope John Paul II thanked the media for their efforts to connect him with faithful around the globe during his recent health trials.

Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute of the Secretariat of State, who led the prayer in St. Peter's Square, read the Pope's reflections while images of the Holy Father were projected on large screens.

In his reflections, the Pope said that, "In these days I have been in Gemelli hospital, I felt in a special way the presence and attention of many who work in the mass media.”

“Today”, he continued, “I wish to extend to them a word of gratitude because I know that it is not without sacrifice that they undertake their appreciated service, thanks to which the faithful, in every part of the world, can feel I am closer and can accompany me with their affection and prayers."

“In our era of global communications the role of the mass media is very important”, the Pope added. “Also important is the responsibility of all who work in this field, called to always give prompt information, respectful of the dignity of the human person and attentive to the common good."

During Lent, which invites us to be nourished more abundantly by the Word of God, I like to think that it is possible to nourish one's own spirit even through radio, television and Internet. I am grateful to all who work in these new forms of evangelization by using the mass media."

The Pope concluded his reflections saying that he hoped to see many of the young people gathered in St. Peter's Square next Sunday, Palm Sunday and at the prelude celebrations for this summer’s World Youth Day.