God Is Love, Not Solitude, Says Benedict XVI

VATICAN CITY, MAY 22, 2005 (Zenit.org).- God is not solitude but love, and the human person, made in his image, is fulfilled only in love, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope delivered that message today, the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, in an address to the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The feast of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit reveals that God is "eternal and infinite Love," the Holy Father said.

In fact, it is the word that summarizes the whole of revelation: 'God is love,'" he said in the address delivered from the window of his study.

"And love is always a mystery, a reality that surpasses reason without contradicting it; what is more, it exalts its potentialities," Benedict XVI explained.

The Pope added that "Jesus has revealed to us the mystery of God. He, the Son, has made us know the Father who is in heaven, and has given us the Holy Spirit, the Love of the Father and of the Son. Christian theology summarizes the truth about God with this expression: only one substance in three persons."

As "God is not solitude but perfect communion," the Holy Father said, "… the human person, image of God, is fulfilled in love, which is the sincere gift of oneself."