Dear brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka,

It gives me great happiness to welcome you today. You have come a long distance, and yet you are still at home here in Rome, the centre of Christianity.

It is my prayer that your pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul will bring you fresh strength and joy for your daily Christian lives. As baptized and confirmed members of Christ, you share with him his mission of salvation. But in order to be fully effective in making your particular contribution, you must yourselves walk “in newness of life”. God is constantly calling you to this newness of life; and the Risen Christ, by the power of his Paschal Mystery, makes it possible for you to respond with generous and faithful love.

May you return home renewed in your Christian vocation, and in your resolve to assist your brothers and sisters by prayer good example and various forms of selfless Christian service. Through you I send my greetings to all the members of the Church, to your Christian brethren, and to all your fellow-citizens in Sri Lanka. May the God of peace and love bless all of you.

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