May 3, 2009. The Pope told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square that he would be praying for the victims and those affected by the swine flu virus.



Benedict XVI
“I want to express my solidarity with the victims of the virus in Mexico and other countries and assure them of my prayers.”

Benedict also said that he hopes his upcoming trip to the Holy Land will be a pilgrimage of peace.

Benedict XVI
“With my visit, I wish to confirm and to encourage Christians in the Holy Land, who face many difficulties everyday. As the Successor of Peter, I will make them feel the closeness and support of the whole body of the Church.”

Benedict’s weeklong trip to the Middle East is similar to that of John Paul the II who travelled there in 2000, and Paul VI in 1964.

RSS