Vatican City, Jun 26, 2005 / 22:00 pm
During the recitation of the Angelus yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI addressed tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square. Concerned by the numerous car accidents reported during the summer holidays, he asked the drivers to avoid distraction and superficiality “for, in a single moment, they can ruin one's own life and that of others.”
To prevent such tragic situations, in which many young people lose their lives, the Holy Father appealed all drivers reminding the need of “everyone's contribution and commitment. Distraction and superficiality must be vanquished. Life is precious and unique: it must always be respected and protected, even with a correct and prudent behaviour on the highway".
At another point of his intervention, the Pope invited the faithful in Rome and all around the world to pray for heavenly protection on the Church and her pastors at the Holy Mass on the occasion of the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul Apostles, that he will preside next Wednesday. The Holy Father expressed his will that it might “be a significant occasion to underline the unity and catholicity of the Church”.
Finally, Pope Benedict XVI asked for Virgin Mary’s maternal protection on all those who travel these days.