Pope greets religious, civil authorities at Castel Gandolfo

Pope Benedict XVI greeted the religious and civil authorities of Castel Gandolfo on Saturday morning in the Apostolic Palace in the resort town where Pope Benedict XVI spent the summer months. Pope Benedict said the period at Castel Gandolfo had been one of study, prayer and rest, during which he noted with admiration the care and concern of all involved in giving assistance and hospitality to him, his colleagues, and all the guests and Pilgrims who travel to the resort town to meet him. The Holy Father had thanks and greetings for the bishop of Albano, Marcello Semeraro, for the pastor of Castel Gandolfo, and for the religious communities and lay groups, in the area: he invited them all to continue to continue to make him feel their spiritual closeness even after his departure, as they have during his stay. Pope Benedict also thanked the civil authorities of Castel Gandolfo in the person of the Mayor, Maurizio Colacchi, promising to pray for him, for his colleagues in government and for the entire community, especially for families in need and for the sick. The Pope had special thanks for the police and military forces that provide security and transportation during his stay at the Papal summer retreat. These include the Corps of Papal Gendarmes, the Italian State Police, the Swiss Guard and the 31 st Squadron of the Italian Air Force. The Pope prayed that the Lord might reward them all with abundant heavenly gifts, and watch over them and their families. Listen : ...