An appeal to “respect nature as well, which is God’s great gift”, “more and more exposed to serious risks of environmental deterioration” which “therefore needs to be defended and protected”: it was sent today by Benedict XVI during his private visit to the Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Manoppello (diocese of Chieti-Vasto), as he recalled that today the Italian Church celebrates the Day of reflection and prayer for the protection of Creation. As soon as he arrived at the Sanctuary, the Pope was welcomed by thousands of devotees and before entering he affectionately greeted them off the cuff. He thanked them for their warm welcome, “for your enthusiasm and your faith” and made a comment on the meaning of the relic of the Holy Face which is inside the church. Mgr. Bruno Forte, archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, after the welcome address, offered a few gifts to the Pope, including some paintings and reproductions of the icon of the Holy Face and an offering for the poor of the world.
