Vatican City, Jan 4, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Since his installation as Pope last spring, Benedict XVI has received thousands of visitors and pilgrims each week to hear his audiences and addresses. This morning, he took time to thank and encourage those who make these massive gatherings possible.
Officials who organize and provide service and assistance during pontifical audiences, ceremonies and official gatherings met with the Pope today, who encouraged them to welcome all believers into the Papal household--which he called a home to all believers.
The group is collectively known as "Addetti di Anticamera."
The Pope reminded them that they make up a centuries-old "Collegio" under the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, and added that although "Times change,” and “usage and customs vary…what remains the same is the spirit with which each of you is called to work alongside the one called by Divine Providence to govern the Universal Church.”