Lenten Exhortation, via Videoconference

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 23, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of John Paul II’s address by videoconference to pilgrims gathered in Paul VI Hall for today’s general audience.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters!

I greet with affection all of you, gathered in this hall for the usual Wednesday meeting. I thank you cordially for your presence.

We are on our Lenten journey, helped and stimulated by the liturgy, which exhorts us to a particular commitment to prayer, fasting and penance, and to greater solidarity toward our neighbor, especially toward the poor and the needy.

Let us open our hearts to the interior suggestions of grace. May egoism give way to love, so that we will be able to experience the joy of forgiveness and of profound reconciliation with God and with our brothers.

[Translation by ZENIT]

[The Holy Father then greeted pilgrims in six languages. In English, he said:]

I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims here today, and thank you for your prayers. May your time in Rome be filled with joy and deepen your love for the universal Church. God bless you all!

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