As Pope Benedict winds down his time at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, he is also praying for the spread of the Gospel and that Christians in Asia are not deterred from witnessing to Christ.

For the month of September, Pope Benedict XVI's general intention is: "That the word of God may be better known, welcomed and lived as the source of freedom and joy."

His mission intention is: "That Christians in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, who often meet with great difficulties, may not be discouraged from announcing the Gospel to their brothers, trusting in the strength of the Holy Spirit."