Vatican City, Nov 23, 2008 / 10:48 am
Having prayed the Angelus from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI reflected some current ways that the Kingdom of God is realized or frustrated.
Despite the persecution of the Japanese shoguns, 188 Japanese Christians stood firm against the insistence that they renounce their faith. Pope Benedict noted that these martyrs from the 17th century will be beatified in Nagasaki tomorrow and said, "In this circumstance, so significant for the Catholic community and for the Land of the Rising Sun, I assure my spiritual closeness."
The Holy Father also mentioned that next Saturday, “Brother José Olallo Valdés, of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, will be proclaimed blessed in Cuba. To his heavenly protection I entrust the Cuban people, especially the sick and health care personnel."
When the Word of God is ignored, the world goes to ruin the Pope said minutes before in his reflections on the coming of Kingdom of God.