Vatican City, May 8, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Yesterday at noon in Rome, the Holy Father appeared at his study window to recite the traditional Regina Coeli prayer, and note two significant dates for the Church; the solemnity of the Ascension, celebrated Sunday in Italy and in many other countries; and the 39th World Day of Social Communications.
Speaking to throngs of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict said that Jesus, "ascending into heaven, re-opened the path to our definitive homeland which is paradise.”
“Now,” he said, “with the power of His Spirit, He sustains us in our daily pilgrimage on earth."
The Pope said that, "after the Lord ascended into heaven, the disciples gathered in prayer in the Cenacle with the Mother of Jesus, invoking together the Holy Spirit. ... Every Christian community is reliving in these days this singular spiritual experience in preparation for the solemnity of Pentecost."