ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
TO THE FAITHFUL OF CASTEL GANDOLFO

Tuesday, 21 July 1998

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Here I am back among you, dear people of Castel Gandolfo, after the restful days I spent among the fascinating mountains of the Cadore. I am pleased to be back and to be spending the entire summer period with you. This is a familiar place where once again I meet persons known and dear to me, to whom I immediately wish to extend my cordial greetings.

First of all I affectionately greet the Pastor of the Diocese of Albano, Bishop Dante Bernini, together with Auxiliary Bishop Paolo Gillet and the parish priest of Castel Gandolfo. I would then like to greet and thank the entire Christian community for its habitual affectionate welcome and for the fervent prayers with which it accompanies me.

I address a grateful word to the Mayor and to the municipal administration, who are always careful to ensure that my stay here is peaceful and fruitful.

I keep you all in my heart and invoke God’s constant protection upon you, your families, your projects for good and upon the entire community.

With these sentiments, I willingly impart my Blessing to you all.

The Holy Father then spoke extemporaneously:

Once again I cordially thank all those who gave me hospitality during my two weeks in Lorenzago di Cadore. I thank them all and I greet Lake Albano, I greet Mount Cavo and this whole area to which I am deeply attached. I wish everyone good weather and an enjoyable stay in Castel Gandolfo.