"In the wake of my predecessors, I renew the appeal to the Nations, to join efforts to overcome the serious imbalances that still affect a large part of humanity". This was asked by Pope Benedict XVI after the Angelus as he recalled that yesterday was the World Leprosy Day, which was started over fifty years ago by Raoul Follereau and carried on by the associations that take inspiration from his humanitarian work. "Leprosy said the Pope- is a symptom of a more serious, wider disease, which is poverty". "I wish he added to send a very special greeting to all those who suffer from such disease and I support missioners, health operators and volunteers who work on this frontier of service to man". In greeting the Polish pilgrims, Pope Benedict XVI recalled the "tragic accident" occurred Saturday evening at the Katowice Fair, in which many people lost their lives. "I entrust to God’s mercy said the Pope- all those who died and in spirit I join their families and all those who have been hurt by this event". Then, Benedict XVI freed two white doves, which as usual the boys and girls of Rome’s Azione Cattolica gave him as a present, at the end of the "Peace procession".
