Vatican City, Jan 25, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Addressing the crowds gathered on Sunday in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus, Pope John Paul II called again for Christian unity and released doves for world peace.
“Today, feast of the conversion of the Apostle Paul, concludes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity during which, in every corner of the world, Christians prayed together for the full realization of their unity according to the will of the Lord, ‘that they may be one’.”
“Christian unity has been a constant concern of my pontificate and continues to be a demanding priority of my ministry.” Christ’s wish “is an imperative that obliges us, the strength that sustains us, a salutary rebuke for our lethargy and narrow-mindedness,” he added.
John Paul II was then joined at his study window by two young people from “Catholic Action,” who read a message of affection to the Pope, thanking him for his commitment to world peace and then, joined by the Holy Father, they released two white doves, one of whom refused to fly away and sat calmly on the window sill.
In off-the cuff-remarks, a visibly delighted Pope thanked the young people for their words and told them he too loved them.