ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS PIUS XII
TO VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE «FRIENDSHIP TRAIN»*

Tuesday, 27 January 1948

In the midst of daily accounts of international distrust and suspicion reported by the press in this aftermath of the war, there are also incidents of a more encouraging nature. Such a cheering contrast in the news of recent days has been the conception of the idea of the « Friendship Train » and its immediate and generous reception over the entire area of the United States, resulting in the donation of an impressively large quantity of foodstuffs destined and dispatched without delay for the relief of the hungry.

You who have been associated with the collection and the distribution of this spontaneous and valued gift of the American people to their brothers in need across the seas, have witnessed the inspiration that has been evoked among the recipients by this display of christian charity and of human solidarity. It is Our hope that this praiseworthy gesture may be the promise of a new birth of generosity of heart everywhere in the world to lead men into the ways of fraternal love under God and thus to lasting peace.

*Discorsi e Radiomessaggi di Sua Santità Pio XII, IX,
 Nono anno di Pontificato, 2 marzo 1947- 1° marzo 1948, p. 427
 Tipografia Poliglotta Vaticana