Happy Feast Day Pope Benedict XVI

St. Peter, the first Pope and Benedict XVI, the 265th Pope

Happy Feast Day to the Holy Father! Celebrating the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict continues to asks for our prayers!

"Speaking on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Pope said: 'The memory of those patron saints makes me feel particularly close to you, dear borthers of the Rome diocese.' He continued: 'Divine Providence has called me to be your pastor. I thank you for the affection with which you have welcomed me, and ask you to pray that Sts. Peter and Paul will grant me the grace to carry out faithfully the pastoral ministry that has been confided to me'.

In a reference to ecumenical affairs, the Pope prayed 'that the Virgin Mary will grant us that the Petrine ministry of the Bishop of Rome will not be considered a stumbing block but an aid on the path to unity.' After the Angelus audience, the Pontiff went to the St. Martha residence, where he shared a midday meal with the members of the Orthodox delegation". (Catholic Culture)

Thanks to Amy Welborn's Open Book for her post on his Angelus message.

The Pope's homily on the feast day is found here.