Vatican City, Jan 5, 2005 / 22:00 pm
During the Angelus today, Pope John Paul II prayed for the children who died in the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia Dec. 26. He prayed as well for the children, suffering from hunger and sickness, and those who have been abducted and exploited, especially for the ignoble purpose of human trafficking.
The Pope also recognized those who work to defend, care for and advocate for children, and singled out in a special way the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood.
Recalling the importance that Jesus gave to children during his preaching ministry, the Pope cited the Gospel passage: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child, will never enter it” (Mk 10:15).
He invoked Mary, who on the Feast of the Epiphany, calls all people to adore the Christ Child with the spirit of children.