JOHN PAUL II  

AUDIENCE

Wednesday 10 november 1999

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I greet you affectionately. Yesterday evening I returned from my apostolic pilgrimage to India and Georgia. In New Delhi I met many Asian Bishops and faithful; in Tbilisi I visited the Catholic community and its Apostolic Administrator. I prayed with them all, sharing their respective hopes and expectations.

I also ask you, dear brothers and sisters, to join me in asking God to make fruitful the seed sown during this apostolic visit. We entrust this prayer to Blessed Mary, Star of Evangelization.

I will talk about this interesting journey next Wednesday at the General Audience, but for now I would like to express my gratitude to the Presidents and Government Authorities of India and Georgia.

I extend special thanks to Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II for his warm welcome.

I thank you for your presence and cordially bless you all.

I see Croatians, and there are Poles here. I cordially greet you all.

I extend a warm welcome to you, dear German-speaking brothers and sisters who have come to Rome. I gladly give you my Apostolic Blessing.