Benedict XVI Writing His First Encyclical

INTROD, Italy, JULY 12, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI has started to write his first encyclical, taking advantage of his peaceful surroundings in the Italian Alps, where he is vacationing.

The news, leaked by Vatican sources a few days ago, was confirmed today by Salvatore Mazza, a reporter for the newspaper Avvenire. Mazza discussed the news in his report, on Vatican Radio, on the Pope's vacation, which began Monday.

A pope's first encyclical is usually of a programmatic character, as was the case with Paul VI's "Ecclesiam Suam" (1964) and John Paul II's "Redemptor Hominis" (1979).

According to the Vatican Radio report, the Holy Father began writing the text some weeks ago.

Mazza said: "The time available, the environmental conditions, the silence, the total tranquility of the area and the Pope's capacity to concentrate on his work, leads to the belief that he will take advantage of these days to continue to work on his encyclical."

During his stay in the village of Les Combes, near Introd, Benedict XVI also hopes to prepare some addresses he will deliver at World Youth Day in Germany next month and at the Synod of Bishops, in October.

The Pope, who is staying at a chalet, plans to be on vacation until July 28. He will then travel to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence south of Rome.