Upon Returning to Italy (19 November 1980)

On 19 November 1980, the Holy Father returned to Italy, landing at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome. In his Address, the Pope recalled significant moments in his journey, among which was his meeting with the “world of science, culture and university life in Cologne Cathedral.”

Minister,
Cardinals,
Ambassadors, dear brothers,

1. On my return to Rome, my episcopal see, after the lively emotions of a short but intense journey full of meetings and conversations, I first of all express my gratitude to the Lord who has allowed me to visit our dear brothers in Germany, to speak personally with them and with the highest civil authorities of that noble country.

I was thus able to approach the religious soul and the generous heart of that people, well known to me, admiring their ancient traditions of faith, the testimonies of human solidarity, the desire for an ever more genuine Christian testimony, and appreciating their profound ethical values, fundamental for authentic civil progress.

I am pleased to have been able to accept the invitation of the Bishops and the supreme Authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany for such a significant meeting, held on the occasion of the seventh centenary of the death of St. Albert the Great, in which honor in Cologne, where he is buried, I presided over a solemn Liturgy.

2. Among the most significant moments, I would like to mention the meeting with the world of science, culture and university life in Cologne Cathedral. It took place in the spirit and perspective of the teachings of the "Doctor universalis", Albert the Great, an exceptional personality as a scholar, teacher, shepherd and peacemaker, a convinced supporter of the distinction between the human sciences, which can be attained only by the light of reason, and theology, science of divine revelation. Also memorable, from the ecumenical point of view, are the meetings in Mainz with the Representatives of the other Christian confessions and of the Jewish communities. The meeting with the brothers of the other Christian confessions was part of the line of commemorations for the 450th anniversary of the well-known "Confessio augustana",

Furthermore, the hours spent with the immigrants of various nations were happy, among which a large group of Italians stood out, present to contribute with their intelligent work to the progress of that country, in the frame of a new growing European mentality.

Qualifying for this pastoral pilgrimage were the meetings in Fulda with seminarians, clergy, the Episcopal Conference and lay organizations involved in the service of the Church and in the apostolate. They took place next to the tomb of St. Boniface, apostle and organizer of the Church among the Germanic peoples, which he closely linked to the Apostolic See. His sepulcher is considered the religious center of Catholic Germany; next to it the Episcopal Conference meets every year, in recognition of the values ​​of the origins and perennial nature of the work of that great Bishop and Martyr.

Also present are the crowds, now exultant, now silent and praying, as well as from the cities mentioned, also from Bonn, Osnabrueck, Altoetting and Munich, who wanted to show devotion to the Successor of Peter, reaffirming their communion with the Apostolic See. All the sick people I have met along my itineraries remain especially close to my heart.

3. At the conclusion of the journey, I would like to renew a mindful and well-wishing greeting to the German people, with fervent thanks to the Episcopate and to the civil authorities for the kind invitation and the sensitivity with which they supported my pastoral intention and followed the my pilgrimage.

And now I address to you, Minister, my sincere and grateful appreciation for the noble and cordial words with which you wished to greet my return, on behalf of the President of the Republic and of the Italian Government. I address a respectful and grateful thought to each of those present: to the Cardinals; to the illustrious Personalities of the Italian State; to the representative of the Mayor of Rome; to the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps and to all who have given me their welcome; to the executives of the airline companies, Lufthansa and Alitalia, to the pilots, crews, to all those who worked for the success of the trip.

Once again I raise my heart grateful to the Lord for the fulfillment of this last pastoral effort, which I hope will contribute to peace and fraternal solidarity among the peoples of Europe, and I cordially bless you present here, the Eternal City and beloved Italy.
 

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