” “Benedict XVI also highlighted that in Byzantine iconography John is "often portrayed as very old and in the act of intense contemplation, almost in the pose of someone who is asking to observe silence". As a matter of fact, "without proper concentration one cannot approach God’s supreme mystery and its revelation". In this respect, the Pope mentioned the meeting that took place years ago between John Paul II and the Ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, Atenagora, during which the Patriarch recalled that, like John "the silent ones know that mysterious exchange of the hearts". "May the Lord help us submit to John’s school concluded Benedict XVI to learn the great lesson of love, so as to feel loved by Christ right to the end and spend our life for Him". In his greeting to the pilgrims in different languages, the Pope welcomed the delegation of the Benedictine Torch of Peace from the diocese of Spoleto. Then he mentioned the blessed Piergiorgio Frassati, who was celebrated yesterday at Mass, and said to the young: "May his example of faithfulness to Christ arise in you, my dear boys and girls, intentions of a brave evangelical testimony". In addition, the Holy Father mentioned the Symposium on the protection of Creation that is due over the next few days in Brazil, wishing "may such important event promoted by the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I help boost respect for nature, entrusted by God to the industrious and responsible hands of man".” “
