Pope Benedict XVI's Message of Hope
Jesus Christ is the hope for all mankind. This was the message of Pope Benedict XVI, APRIL 8, 2008, before his trip to the United States (April 15-20):
"The intention behind my visit, though, is to reach out spiritually to all Catholics in the United States. At the same time, I earnestly hope that my presence among you will be seen as a fraternal gesture toward every ecclesial community, and a sign of friendship for members of other religious traditions and all men and women of good will.”
The Pope noted the theme that he, together with the U.S. bishops, chose for the journey: "Christ our hope." He said:
"Following in the footsteps of my venerable predecessors, Paul VI and John Paul II, I shall come to United States of America as Pope for the first time, to proclaim this great truth: Jesus Christ is hope for men and women of every language, race, culture and social condition," he said. "Yes, Christ is the face of God present among us.
"Through him, our lives reach fullness, and together, both as individuals and peoples, we can become a family united by fraternal love, according to the eternal plan of God the Father.”