ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO THE NEW CARDINALS
AND THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

Thursday, 23 October 2003

Venerable Brother Cardinals,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. After the solemn celebrations of last Tuesday and of yesterday, I am happy to meet with you today, too.

I greet first of all you, venerable Italian Cardinals. Together with you, I wish to greet your families, friends and those from your dioceses who have come for your installation. I am certain that they will continue to follow you with prayer and with their affectionate help.

I greet the new English-speaking Cardinals with the pilgrims who have accompanied them to Rome. May your time in the City of the Apostles confirm you in faith, hope and love. I cordially bless all of you.

2. Venerable and dear Brothers, in renewing to you my fraternal greeting and my fervent good wishes for the mission that has been entrusted to you for the service of the entire Church, I wish to commend you and your ministry to the heavenly protection of the Holy Virgin. May Sts Peter and Paul also intercede for you.

With these sentiments, I heartily renew my Blessing to you and to those who joyfully and affectionately accompany you, as well as to all those whom you will encounter in your pastoral ministry.