VATICAN CITY, NOV, 26, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says he relies upon the support of the College of Cardinals to carry out his mission as head of the Church.
The Pope said this today when he received the 23 new cardinals elevated in Saturday's consistory, along with their families and other faithful who accompanied them to Rome.
"The consistory and yesterday's Eucharistic celebration," said the Holy Father, "have provided us with a unique opportunity to experience the catholicity of the Church, well represented by the varied provenance of the members of the College of Cardinals, gathered in close communion around Peter's Successor."
To English-speakers
Benedict XVI mentioned the six English-speaking new cardinals. There are two from the United States, and one each from Ireland, India, Kenya and Iraq.
"I am also pleased to have this opportunity to welcome their family members and friends, and all the faithful who have accompanied them to Rome," the Pontiff continued. "As the new cardinals accept the burden of this office, I am confident that they will be supported by your constant prayers and your cooperation in their efforts to build up the Body of Christ in unity, holiness and peace."
"The College of Cardinals," the Pope explained, "whose origin is linked to the ancient clergy of the Roman Church, is charged with electing the Successor of Peter and advising him in matters of greater importance. Whether in the offices of the Roman Curia or in their ministry in the local Churches throughout the world, the cardinals are called to share in a special way in the Pope's solicitude for the universal Church. The vivid color of their robes has traditionally been seen as a sign of their commitment to defending Christ's flock, even to the shedding of their blood."
To all present
After greeting the new cardinals in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish, the Holy Father gave them the assurance of his prayers and asked them always to accompany him with "your valuable human and pastoral experience."
"I place great reliance on your precious support in order to be able to carry out my ministry to the entire people of God," added the Pontiff.
Addressing the families and friends of the new cardinals, the Pope asked them to keep on praying for the cardinals and for him, "that communion between pastors and the Pope may remain solid, so as to present the whole world with the testimony of a Church faithful to Christ and ready to meet the spiritual hopes and needs of modern man with prophetic courage."
"Returning to your dioceses, bear my greetings and the assurances of my constant prayers to the Lord," the Holy Father concluded. "Upon you, dear cardinals, and upon everyone present here, I invoke the protection of the heavenly Mother of God and of the saintly Apostles Peter and Paul."
ZE07112605 - 2007-11-26