VATICAN CITY (CNS): On the first anniversary of his election, Pope Benedict XVI asked people for their continued prayers so that he might carry on his mission to do Christ’s work and be a “gentle and firm shepherd” in leading the universal Church.
“How time flies,” the Pope exclaimed to the 50,000 faithful who packed St Peter’s Square for his April 19 general audience as he recalled that exactly one year earlier the College of Cardinals elected him to succeed the much loved and “the great pope, John Paul II”.
He said he was still moved by the memory of appearing at the central window of St Peter’s Basilica right after his election to the cheers of nearly 100,000 people jammed into the square.
The Pope said the huge outpouring of support displayed in that and other gatherings “has stuck in my mind and heart”.
He said seeing the large presence of pilgrims at his public appearances gives him the feeling that the faithful are there with him, helping him.
