Eucharist is the pinnacle of prayer for the dead, says Pope

Vatican City, Nov 7, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Pope John Paul II, prior to praying the Angelus yesterday with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, reminded them that "popular devotion dedicates the month of November to the memory of the deceased faithful," and that the summit of prayer for the dead is the sacrament of the Eucharist.

God "remains faithful to the covenant sealed with man, a covenant that not even death can break," said the Holy Father. "This pact," he said, "sealed in the Easter of Christ, is constantly made current in the sacrament of the Eucharist. There, too, prayers for the deceased also have their pinnacle.”

“In offering Mass for them,” he said, “believers support their final purification. Receiving communion in faith, they strengthen with them the bonds of spiritual love."

The Pope also expressed his “concern for the serious news that is coming from the Ivory Coast where violence has caused new victims. May arms become silent, may peace accords be respected, may the path of dialogue be resumed! I entrust the people of the Ivory Coast to Mary, Queen of Peace."

The Pope also addressed healthcare workers and volunteers who work with the incurably ill and the dying, saying that they performed “a great work of mercy. I ask God to recompense their love and dedication with His grace,” he said.  “I entrust to Mary Most Holy those who accompany the sick people in their families. May God bless everyone."