At the end of this celebration, during which Cardinal Clemens August Count von Galen has been added to the list of the Blesseds, I have the joy of joining you, gathered in large numbers in St Peter's Basilica, to pay homage to the new Blessed. I address my cordial greeting to my venerable Brothers, Cardinals and Bishops, to the distinguished Authorities and to all of you who have come here.

I greet with deep affection the Bishops and priests, the representatives of public life and the pilgrims who have come to Rome from Münster and from the whole of Germany. I am delighted to join you in venerating the new Blessed, Cardinal Clemens August von Galen.

All of us, and particularly we Germans, are grateful because the Lord has given us this great witness of faith who made the light of truth shine out in dark times and had the courage to oppose the power of tyranny.

However, we must also ask ourselves: "Where did this insight come from in a period when intelligent people seemed as if they were blind? And where did he find the strength to oppose it at a time in which even the strong proved weak and cowardly?". He drew insight and courage from the faith that showed him the truth and opened his heart and his eyes.

He feared God more than men, and it was God who granted him the courage to do and say what others did not dare to say and do. Thus, he gives us courage, he urges us to live the faith anew today, and he also shows us how this is possible in things that are simple and humble, yet great and profound.

Let us remember that he often used to make pilgrimages on foot to the Mother of God in Telgte, that he introduced perpetual adoration at St Servatius and that he frequently asked for the grace of forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance and obtained it.

He therefore shows us this simple Catholicity in which the Lord meets us, in which he opens our hearts and gives us spiritual discernment, the courage of faith and the joy of being saved. Let us give thanks to God for this great witness of faith and pray to him that he will enlighten and guide us.

Blessed Cardinal von Galen, at this very moment, pray for us and for the Church in Germany and throughout the world. Amen.

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