Today the Vatican announced Pope Benedict's prayer and mission intentions for the month of December. Both find their roots in the Pope’s teaching on the God-given dignity of the human person.

Mirroring the theme of two different audiences given today, the Pope’s general prayer intention is, "That an ever deeper understanding be spread of the dignity of men and women according to the Creator's plan."

Likewise, the Vatican announced that his mission intention for the month is: "That, on earth, search for God and thirst for truth may lead every human being to meet the Lord."