Follow a morally unexceptionable life, says Pope in Angelus, as Church remembers deceased

Vatican City, Nov 1, 2005 / 22:00 pm

“After yesterday’s celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints, today’s Liturgy invites us to pray for our dear ones who have left us. As we face the mystery of death, Sacred Scripture strengthens our hope by assuring us that all who live in accordance with the Word of God are reborn into the fullness of life.”

On the Day the Church remembers the deceased, Pope Benedict invited the faithful “to follow a morally unexceptionable life, against any illusory alternative of success obtained via injustice and immorality."

The Holy Father exhorted the faithful in St Peters to accept "the constant call of the prophets to side with the marginalized, supporting them with abundant aid." He explained that for Christians, "loyalty to the divine word consists in fundamental choice, which is charity towards the poor and needy: respecting the biblical call to be generous towards the poor and to brothers in need, without self-interest or the usury that destroys the lives of the poor.”

“As we face the mystery of death, Sacred Scripture strengthens our hope by assuring us that all who live in accordance with the Word of God are reborn into the fullness of life. These are the just, the happy ones, of whom Psalm 111 speaks.

The pontiff gave as an example of Clement of Alexandria, who  “invites  Christians to share generously with their neighbours by giving "without regret, without distinction or pain".

The Pope greeted the English-speaking visitors gathered on Saint Peters Square, saying  “I offer a warm welcome to all the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims present at today’s audience. I extend particular greetings to the groups from England, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Malta, Canada and the United States of America. May your pilgrimage strengthen your faith and renew your love for the Lord, the Giver of Life, and may God bless you all!”