"Although humanly different from each other he went on and although their relation was not free of tensions, Peter and Paul look therefore like the initiators of a new city, as the materialisation of a new, genuine way of being brothers". This is why "nowadays the Church of Rome celebrates the day of its birth, because the two Apostles lay its foundations. And in addition nowadays Rome is more aware than ever of its mission and its greatness". In addition the Pope said that Paul was "all but a good talker". Despite this, "the success of his apostolate mostly depends on his personal involvement in announcing the Gospel with such a devotion to Christ; a devotion that feared no risks, difficulties or persecutions". According to the Pope, this is "an extremely important lesson for every Christian": "The work of the Church is believable and effective insofar as those who are part of it are willing to personally pay for their loyalty to Christ in any circumstance. Where such willingness is missing, the decisive argument of the truth on which the Church itself depends is missing too". "Even today highlighted Benedict XVI Christ needs apostles who are ready to sacrifice themselves. He needs h witnesses and martyrs like Saint Paul".
