JOHN PAUL II

ANGELUS

Solemnity of the Epiphany
Thursday, 6 January 2005

Adoring Christ with a child's heart

1. "We... have come to worship him" (Mt 2: 2). These words of the Magi which we heard in the Gospel are the theme of the next World Youth Day that will be held in Cologne this August. I invite the young people of Germany and their peers across the world to set out in spirit toward this important rendezvous, to discover the Face of God in Christ and in the Magi.

2. Epiphany is also the World Day of Missionary Children. Children are the present and future of the Church. They play an active role in the evangelization of the world and, with their prayers, help to save and improve it.

As I renew my prayers for the small victims of the tsunami in Asia, I cannot forget the children who are victims of hunger and disease, of war and terrorism, nor, in addition, those who are kidnapped, disappear or are exploited by despicable trafficking.

3. My grateful thoughts go to all those who are committed to protecting the littlest ones, and especially to the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood.

"Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it" (Mk 10: 15).

 May Mary Most Holy, who today presents Christ to the peoples, help us to adore him with a child's heart.

After the Angelus: 

I extend my cordial greetings of peace and joy in the Lord to our brothers and sisters of the Eastern Churches who are celebrating Holy Christmas in these days.

I greet the pilgrims present, especially those taking part in the historical and folkloric procession that is inspired this year by the traditions of the Fiumicino area. I also greet the candidates for Confirmation from Villafranca Padovana with their parish priest, catechists and parents.

I wish you a happy feast day!

© Copyright 2005 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana