Greeting to the People of Bonn (15 November 1980).

In Bonn, Germany, 15 November 1980, the Holy Father greeted the local citizens, thanking them for their welcome to their city.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

I sincerely thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for having prepared for me, an apostolic pilgrim in your country, such a cordial welcome in your city of Bonn at such a late hour. I greet the people present here and all the inhabitants of the capital of your Federal Republic with the blessing words of the Psalmist: “Peace be upon your walls... for my brothers and my friends I will say; “Peace be upon you!” (Ps 121). My greeting goes in particular to the supreme representatives of the civil and ecclesial community, to the Mayor and the Dean. Likewise, I also greet the representatives of the Christian churches and of the Jewish community.

Your venerable basilica-cathedral, where we meet, holds in its crypt as a precious treasure the tombs of the patron saints of your city, the holy Roman martyrs Cassius and Florence.

These places which date back to the dawn of Christianity always remind you of the Christian roots of your city and your culture. The heroic profession of faith in Christ by these two martyrs, whose memory is celebrated every year together with the government of the city, is a commitment for you. Be equally convinced and convincing Christians today too!

May the current restoration of your magnificent house of God be an invitation to all of you. We too, living stones for building the spiritual temple of the Church, must continually renew ourselves in Jesus Christ, until we are totally conformed to him.

“For the house of the Lord our God, I will ask for good for you” (Ps 121). With these words of the same psalm I pray for God's permanent protection and blessing on your city and all its inhabitants. God bless families with their children! He bless the elders! Bless all the bedridden sick! Bless anyone who feels lonely, worried, and discouraged.

Finally, in this capital, my special wishes of blessing are also addressed to all those who bear responsibility for the political destiny and the good of your people and for the international community of peoples. May the Lord always illuminate their discussions and decisions with his light.

And now for your city. for your people and for the whole Church let us pray together, as the Lord has taught us: Our Father who art in heaven...

Copyright © Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Publishing House