Solemnity of All Saints

Today I ask, in a quite special way, you who are gathered here to recite the "Angelus" with me, to stop for a moment to reflect on the mystery of the liturgy of the day.

The Church lives in a great perspective. This perspective accompanies her always, moulds her continually, and directs her towards eternity. The liturgy of the day highlights the eschatological reality, a reality which springs from the whole plan of salvation and at the same time from man's history, a reality which gives the very existence of the Church and her mission their ultimate meaning.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Here we are again, meeting as we did a week ago to recite the "Angelus" together. This week has passed quickly, rich in important meetings and visits.

Today, the last Sunday of October, I wish to draw your attention to the Rosary. In fact, throughout the whole Church, October is the month dedicated to the Rosary.

The Rosary is my favourite prayer. A marvellous prayer! Marvellous in its simplicity and in its depth. In this prayer we repeat many times the words that the Virgin Mary heard from the Archangel, and from her kinswoman Elizabeth. The whole Church joins in these words. It can be said that the Rosary is, in a certain way, a prayer-commentary on the last chapter of the Constitution "Lumen Gentium" of Vatican II, a chapter which deals with the wonderful presence of the Mother of God in the mystery of Christ and the Church.

Deseo reanudar la magnífica costumbre de mis predecesores y recitar con vosotros, queridos hermanos y hermanas, el Angelus Domini.

Acaba de terminar la solemne Misa de inauguración de mi ministerio de Sucesor de Pedro. Para vivir intensamente este momento histórico, hemos tenido que hacer en común la profesión de fe que recitamos todos los días en el Credo de los Apóstoles: "Creo en la Santa Iglesia católica", y en el Credo Niceno-Constantinopolitano: "Creo en la Iglesia una, santa, católica y apostólica".