Catholic World News News Feature

Pope asks relief for Georgian refugees August 18, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI called for the prompt opening of humanitarian corridors in South Ossetia, during his midday audience on Sunday, August 17.

After reciting the Angelus, the Pope said that he was praying for the refugees who had been driven from their homes by the fighting in Georgia, especially those who are wounded or grieving for loved ones. He asked for quick delivery of relief supplies, and international leadership in make the cease-fire permanent there. Earlier, in his remarks to the crowd that had gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father had said that the Church is "called to be a hospitable home for everyone." Reflecting on the day's Gospel story of the Canaanite woman, he said that Jesus called attention to the universality of his mission and the moral imperative of treating all people with dignity and respect. The Church, he said, should lead society to "overcome every possible temptation toward racism, intolerance, and exclusion."

The Pope went on to add "a different sort of intention," asking the faithful to pray for traffic safety. He called attention to the "many serious road accidents" that occur particularly during the summer months, and asked for "greater sense of responsibility" among motorists and stricter enforcement of traffic-safety regulations.

Before ending his public remarks the Pope expressed his sorrow at news of the sudden death of Bishop Wilhelm Egger of Bolzano, Italy. Bishop Egger-- who succumbed to a heart attack on August 16-- had been the Pontiff's host in July, when Pope Benedict took his summer vacation, staying in Bressanone at the seminary of the Bolzano diocese.