|
Benedict XVI Farewell Speech
 Pope
Benedict delivered his short farewell speech at the Valencia-Manises
airport, Spain on Sunday, July 9, 2006 during the farewell ceremony
which culminates the Pope's visit to the country.
Below
is a copy of the Holy Father's address:
Your Majesties,
Mr. President of the Government,
Distinguished Authorities,
My Brother Cardinals and Bishops,
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
1. At the conclusion of my very pleasant stay in
Valencia for the 5th World Meeting of Families, I express my deep
gratitude to their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, the national
authorities, the Generalidad of Valencia and the mayor's office,
as well as to the archbishop and every one of you, for the kind
hospitality and evident affection which you have shown me at every
moment of my visit to this flourishing levantine land.
2. I am confident that, with the help of the Most
High and the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary, this meeting
will keep echoing like a joyful song of the love, life and of faith
shared by families, and help today's world to understand that the
marriage covenant, whereby man and woman establish a permanent bond,
is a great good for all humanity.
3.
I thank you for your presence here. You have come from all the continents
of the world, at considerable sacrifice, which you have accepted
and offered to the Lord. You have a special place in my heart. My
heartfelt prayer is that Almighty God will bless you today and always. |
“Jesus’
Baptism”