Vatican City, Aug 24, 2008 / 08:51 am
Before the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI held up St. Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God as an example for Christians. Recounting his mission as Pope, bishop of Rome and successor of Peter, he encouraged his audience to support him with their prayers.
Speaking from the balcony of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father cited the Sunday readings, in particular Jesus' two questions to his disciples: Who do people say the Son of Man is? Who do you say I am?
Pope Benedict said that Peter's words, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God", are repeated by the Church.
Catholics, the Holy Father continued, make this "solemn profession of
faith", with the knowledge that “Christ is the true ‘treasure’ for which it is worth sacrificing everything; He is the friend who never abandons us, because He knows the expectations of our most intimate heart.”