Vatican City, Jul 4, 2004 / 22:00 pm
After the Angelus prayer, John Paul II said that he had accepted an invitation by the bishop of Aosta and "tomorrow, God willing, I will leave to spend a few days in Valle d'Aosta. As I prepare to start this brief vacation my thoughts go to the families who have planned their vacations for this period: I hope they are able to live this time in serene relaxation.”
“At the same time I am thinking of all those who, for diverse reasons, cannot take a true and proper vacation,” he said.
“I hope that everyone can profit from the necessary break from work and that recreational initiatives, enriched by genuine human relations, will be promoted to give relief to persons who are alone and in difficulty,” he continued.
When the Holy Father returns from his northern mountain vacation, he will recite the Angelus, starting on July 18, from the courtyard at Castelgandolfo. Weekly general audiences will also be held there.