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ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE JOHN PAUL II
TO officers and crew of
THE helicopter-carrier ‘Jeanne d’Arc’

Saturday, 15 March 1997

Officers,
Dear Friends
,

You have wished to greet the Bishop of Rome as the helicopter-carrier Jeanne d’Arc puts in at Naples. I am pleased to meet you in this city, in the heart of the Church to which many of you belong. You know that because of his ministry the Pope works for the unity and peace of mankind, in the name of Christ who came to reconcile humanity with the Father. The career you have chosen takes you all over a world that is often divided and wounded: may you always act as servants of peace, with love for men and women!

The next World Youth Day in Paris has for its theme the disciples’ conversation with Jesus: “Teacher where are you staying?”. Christ’s answer is: “Come and see” (cf. Jn 1:38-39). I also extend this invitation to you. Whether it is in Paris in August, or on the world’s oceans, go out to meet the One who is the light of the world; learn to see the face of Christ who reveals the splendour of God and who also lets himself be recognized in the lowliest of his brothers and sisters.

At the moment we are preparing for the celebration of Easter. I hope you will spend this feast walking in the footsteps of Christ, who loved his own to the very end (cf. Jn 13:1) and was the first to rise from the dead in the glory of Easter. For you may he be “the Way and the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6)!

Thank you for your visit. I impart my Apostolic Blessing to you and to all your loved ones.

 

© Copyright 1997 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana



Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana