I AM HAPPY to have this opportunity to greet a group of students studying art in Rome. The Church is always eager to repeat her love and esteem for students. The Church in Rome in particular is pleased to welcome you and to show you the tradition of art of which she is the faithful custodian and the earnest promoter. 

And the Church hopes that through the beauty of this City and her art you will be led to a greater insight into the mystery of man, who is the centre of all things on earth. At the same time, the Church holds and professes, and offers to everyone, Christ as "the key, the centre and the goal of all human history".  

Dear young people, in your studies I pray that you will encounter Christ, in all his humanity, in all his divinity! God bless you all. 

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