September 1, 2010. At the General Audience, Benedict XVI focused his weekly catechesis on the German Saint Hildegard of Bingen. In recent months, the Pope has spoken about a number of Saints from the Middle Ages. Now he is looking at prominent women of that historical period who are Saints.
Hildegard was a twelfth-century religious. The Pope said she was a woman who served the Church in an age when the Church was hurt by the sins of the priests and laity.
Benedict XVI
"Hildegard used her spiritual gifts for the renewal of the Church and the spread of authentic Christian living. Hildegard reminds us of the contribution which women are called to make to the life of the Church in our own time."
The pope also greeted those participating in the Third Latin American Youth Congress taking place in Venezuela. He encouraged them to draw closer to God.
Benedict XVI
"The Pope is with you and assures you of his trust. At the same time, he prays that God may help you so that as authentic disciples of Jesus Christ, you may live out the values of the Gospel."
Benedict XVI held his general audience for the first time ever outside his summer residence, technically in Italian (and not Vatican) territory. The five thousand pilgrims onhand gathered in the town square of Castel Gandolfo, instead of the courtyard of his summer residence.
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