Catholic World News News Feature

Empty tomb is spur to Christian unity, Pope says at Church of the Holy Sepulchre May 15, 2009

"Here the history of humanity was decisively changed," Pope Benedict XVI said on May 15, after praying at the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. "The empty tomb speaks to us of hope-- the hope that does not disappoint, because it is the gift of the Spirit of life."

"This is the message that I wish to leave with you today, at the conclusion of my pilgrimage to the Holy Land," the Holy Father continued. "May hope rise up ever anew, by God's grace, in the hearts of all the people dwelling in these lands! May it take root in your hearts, abide in your families and communities."

The Pope had returned to Jerusalem on Friday after his visit to Nazareth in Galilee the previous day. At the church of the Holy Sepulchre, he was greeted by the Catholic, Orthodox, and Armenian clerics who share custody of the basilica. After private prayer at the tomb, he delivered a short address.

Underlining a message that he had delivered repeatedly during his visit, the Pope said that it is essential to maintain a strong Christian presence in the Holy Land as "an intrepid herald of the luminous message of hope" that the Resurrection brings. Alluding to the strife that has marred the history of the region-- strife that has pitted different Christian groups in conflict with each other, as well as in conflicts with other faiths-- the Pope said that "memories can be healed, that the bitter fruits of recrimination and hostility can be overcome." He said that the enduring power of the Holy Spirit can help Christians to overcome "every conflict and tension born of flesh," and pave the way for a unified Christian witness to the surrounding world.

"I pray that the Church in the Holy Land will always draw new strength from her contemplation of the empty tomb of the Savior," the Pope said as he concluded his remarks.