ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER PAUL VI
TO THE DELEGATES OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FUND OF MONUMENTS
FROM NEW YORK

Monday, 8 October 1973

We are pleased to extend a cordial greeting to the delegates of the International Fund of Monuments from New York. We thank you for wishing to pay us this visit.

As the name of your organization implies, your concern is the preservation and restoration of ancient monument’s, that inheritance of past cultures which we hold in trust. We are aware that you have worked in Ethiopia, and that at present you are conducting projects in Bologna, on Easter Island and particularly in Venice. The mention of Venice reminds us vividly of our own visit to that beautiful city. On that occasion we remarked that its treasures and buildings belolng not only to Venice but to all men: they are part of the cultural patrimony of mankind.

With these thoughts in mind we wish to express our appreciation of the work that you are doing. Through your efforts you are not only working to preserve things of beauty, the products of man’s genius; you are also helping to raise men’s hearts and minds above their everyday preoccupations to the contemplation of the very author of beauty.

As we extend our encouragement, we invoke upon you the abundant blessings of Almighty God.