The Holy Father was unable to preside at the special Concelebrated Mass in St Peter's Square, but appeared at his study window after the Eucharistic celebration, which was presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar of Rome. Using an olive branch, the Pope blessed the numerous young people from Rome and around the world who had gathered with other pilgrims in the Square. Following the celebration of Holy Mass and prior to the noon recitation of the Angelus, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, Substitute, read the Pope's Reflection to the pilgrims present.

At noon, seated at a window on the 10th floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic, the Holy Father blessed and spoke briefly to the faithful gathered in the square below. Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, then read the prayer of the Angelus. The event was relayed via television to St Peter's Square, while the Holy Father viewed images of the faithful in the Square.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. Today too I would like to renew my gratitude for the many signs of affection I have received. I am thinking in particular of the numerous Cardinals, Bishops, priests and groups of the faithful, of the Ambassadors and ecumenical Delegations who have come to the Gemelli Polyclinic in these days.

Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, read the Holy Father's Address to pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square. He also led the recitation of the Angelus and imparted the final Blessing on behalf of the Pope. The Holy Father himself greeted and blessed pilgrims from a window at Gemelli Hospital.

1. The Spiritual Exercises in which I took part together with many of my Collaborators in the Roman Curia concluded yesterday with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, followed by Adoration.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. Welcome! Once again we meet in this place to praise the Lord. I would like to thank you - and all those who are following us via radio and television - for your closeness and affection, and above all for your prayers during the days of my stay at the Gemelli Polyclinic.

1. Today, I am speaking to you from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where for several days I have been cared for with loving concern by doctors, nurses and health-care personnel, whom I warmly thank.

1. Today St Peter's Square is gladdened by the presence of many children of Catholic Action who are concluding their "month of peace". I greet you with affection, dear boys and girls and children of the A.C.R.!

1. The "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" is drawing to a close in these days. As usual, it will be ending with the celebration of Vespers on 25 January in the Basilica of St Paul's-outside-the-Walls. I will join in spirit in this liturgy, in which representatives of the other Churches and Christian Confessions will be taking part and whose principal celebrant will be Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.