ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO THE PERFORMERS AND ORGANIZERS
OF THE "CHRISTMAS IN THE VATICAN" CONCERT

Friday, 12 December 2003

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to meet with you on the occasion of the "Christmas in the Vatican" Concert, a show organized to raise money for the construction of new churches, especially on the outskirts of the city of Rome.

I express fervent best wishes so that you are able reach the goals you have set. At the same time, I wish to extend to each one of the promoters, organizers and artists a cordial wish for the nearly-arrived Christmas celebrations. Christmas reminds us that the Son of God, taking on human nature, became a travel companion for the men and women of every epoch. May this feast, so felt by families, become a favourable occasion to experience the closeness and love of God.

I accompany these wishes with a special Apostolic Blessing, which I willingly extend to your loved ones and to those who will be watching the concert on television.

Happy Christmas to all!