Pope greets Eucharistic congress participants, prays for revival of belief

Vatican City, Jun 18, 2008 / 10:09 am MT (CNA).-

After delivering his reflections on St. Isidore of Seville at his Wednesday general audience, Pope Benedict addressed some remarks to participants in the International Eucharistic Congress being held in Quebec, Canada, from June 15—22 on the theme: "The Eucharist: gift of God for the life of the world."

"I am spiritually present at this most solemn ecclesial meeting", he said, "and I trust it will be a time rich in prayer, reflection and contemplation of the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist, for the Christian communities of Canada and for the Universal Church. May it also be a favorable moment in which to reaffirm the Church's faith in the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament."

Benedict XVI concluded his remarks by praying that the congress "may revive in believers - not just in Canada but in many other nations in the world - an awareness of the evangelical and spiritual values that have forged their identity along the course of history."

While Pope Benedict is not attending the Eucharistic congress, he will give the homily for the closing Mass on June 22 via a live satellite link from Rome. The faithful will be able to view the Holy Father’s homily on large screens stationed throughout the area.