Vatican City, Apr 13, 2009 / 06:58 am
Having completed the grueling Easter weekend schedule, Pope Benedict XVI traveled on Sunday afternoon to Castel Gandolfo for a brief respite. On Monday at noon, the Pope prayed the Regina Caeli, and said that Easter proves to Christians that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even death.
Before reciting the Regina Caeli, which replaces the Angelus during the Easter season, the Pope addressed those present at Castel Gandolfo and those in St. Peter's Square via an audio-video feed.
“Dear brothers and sisters,” the Holy Father began, “In these Easter days one often hears the words of Jesus: 'I have risen and am still with you.' Echoing this announcement, the Church exultantly proclaims: 'Yes, we are sure! The Lord is truly risen, alleluia! His glory and power are forever.'”
The victory of Easter, the Pope explained, makes Christ the “invisible head” of the people of God, who are “intended to grow over the centuries, until the fulfillment of the plan of salvation.” “Then, the entirety of humanity will be built on him, and every existing reality will be permeated with his total victory. Then, as St. Paul writes, he will be 'the perfect fulfillment of all things,' and 'God will be all in all.'”