June 20, 2012. (Romereports.com) During Wednesday's general audience, the Pope said he was concerned about the recent attacks on five Christian churches in Nigeria. The explosions killed over 30 people and injured more than 100. Some Christians retaliated, with their own attacks, killing 11 Muslims.

The Pope called on Nigerian authorities to put an end to the conflict. He also called on Christians to not respond with vengeance.


BENEDICT XVI
“It is my hope that the various components of Nigerian society will collaborate so as not to start down the path of revenge, and that all citizens will cooperate in building a peaceful and reconciled society, in which everyone's right freely to profess their faith is fully protected.”

During his catechesis, Benedict XVI reflected on prayer in the letters of St. Paul, by explaining why it's important to foster a close relationship with God. He also said that one must pray and ask God for one's needs, but one must also remember to give thanks.

The Pope then said that God has great love for humanity. The best example being that Jesus  offered his life on a Cross. Through prayer, the Pope said all people can respond to their personal vocation.

BENEDICT XVI
“Paul’s prayer invites us to contemplate the unfolding of God’s saving plan in history and to discern the signs of its presence in our own lives and in the life of the Church.”

Among the roughly 8,000 people who attended the general audience, there were plenty of groups that sang for the Pope, among them was this Choir from Chile.


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