"I am following with deep concern the news about the serious escalation of the state of things in the Gaza Strip, and I wish to express my solidarity with the civilians who are suffering the consequences of that violence". This was said yesterday morning by Benedict XVI, after celebrating the Angelus prayer from Saint Peter’s Square. "I am asking you to join my prayer added the Pope so that the merciful and almighty God will enlighten the Israeli and Palestinian authorities as well as the authorities of the countries which have specific responsibilities in the region, that they will spare no efforts to put an end to the bloodshed, multiply humanitarian aids and promote the immediate resumption of direct, serious and effective negotiations". Then, as he greeted the Polish pilgrims, the Holy Father likened the figure of S. Carlo Borromeo, "the great reformer of the Church after the Council of Trent", whose liturgical commemoration fell yesterday, with that of the "great executor of the provisions of the Second Vatican Council", John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla".
