WORDS OF HIS HOLINESS PIUS XII
THE AMERICAN DELEGATES OF THE INTERNATIONAL POSTAL CONGRESS*

Monday, 31 May 1947

When the request came to Us from Paris to receive the American Delegates of the International Postal Congress, We were greatly pleased to express at once Our readiness to receive them. You have come; and We assure you and all members of your party of Our welcome and delight.

Any international congress is of particular interest to Us. It bespeaks a breaking down of needless barriers and a uniting of the nations. That is « a consummation devoutly to be wished » (Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III, scene i). We hope that your plans and resolutions taken have been worthy of the noblest and most vital interests of all mankind. You deal with the great highways of communication. Along those lanes the spirit of evil can walk as well as the angel of purity and justice and homely virtues. A Congress such as yours has its contribution to make to the spiritual advancement of peoples and thus to a stable peace. May such success attend it.

With paternal affection We invoke upon you and all your dear ones and on all whom you represent heaven's choicest blessings.

*Discorsi e Radiomessaggi di Sua Santità Pio XII, IX,
 Nono anno di Pontificato, 2 marzo 1947- 1° marzo 1948, p. 83
 Tipografia Poliglotta Vaticana.