April 29, 2009. Benedict XVI dedicated the weekly cathechesis to San Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople of the 8th century.

This patriarch defended the devotion to sacred images and confronted the emperor of Byzantium. San Germanus was a saint with a great concern for the aesthetic.

Benedict XVI
The writings of Germanus, steeped in an ardent love of the Church and devotion to the Mother of God, have had a wide influence on the piety of the faithful both of the East and the West.

Among the 30,000 people in attendance,  the loudest group by far were students.

IAS