ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO A GROUP OF PILGRIMS
FROM THE DIOCESE OF BYDGOSZCZ (POLAND)

Tuesday, 26 October 2004 

I cordially greet Bishop Jan [Tyrawa], the civil Authorities and the inhabitants of Bydgoszcz, as well as the clergy and faithful of the Diocese. You are on a pilgrimage to Rome to thank God for the creation of your Diocese [24 February 2004], and at the same time, to express the ties that bind every local Church to the Holy See and to the Successor of Peter.

I am glad that the establishment of the new Diocese has been joyfully welcomed and that you are striving to set up all the needed structures for it to function well. I hope that your efforts, in close cooperation with the Bishop and the priests, Religious Communities and all the faithful, will bear abundant fruit. Work together for the spiritual development of all, and especially try to look after those who need the Church's care.

I join you in giving thanks, asking God to pour out upon your diocesan community the graces that it needs, and I cordially bless you all. Take this Blessing back to your homes and milieus. May it also embrace young people, children and, above all, the suffering.

Thank you for your visit.