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Day

September 24th, 2012

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 24, 2012 (Zenit.org).- After giving a reflection on God's logic prior to praying the midday Angelus on Sunday, Benedict XVI reiterated his appeal for prayer for the Middle East.

After the Angelus, as he greeted pilgrims in several languages, the Pope thanked French-speakers for their prayers for his recent trip to Lebanon.

"Continue to pray for Christians of the Middle East, for peace and for serene dialogue between religions," he said.

"Yesterday," the Pope went on, "I was spiritually united to the joy of faithful in the French diocese of Troyes, who were gathered together for the beatification of Fr. Louis Brisson, founder of the Oblates of St. Francis of Sales. May the example of this new blessed bring light to your lives. He was wont to say: 'I need God, it is a hunger which devours me.' Learn to have that same hunger for God, and to appeal to Him constantly and trustingly."

Turning then to address Polish pilgrims, Benedict XVI quoted Jesus' words: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me." 

Let us, he said, "ask God that these words may inspire all those responsible for the gift of life, for a dignified education, and for the safe and serene development of children. May all children enjoy the love and warmth of the family."