"We live today in an era of new evangelization, vast horizons open to proclamation of the Gospel, while the regions of ancient Christian tradition are invited to rediscover the beauty of faith."
"The Gospel - accentuated the Pope - has and still is transforming the world, like a river that irrigates a vast field."
"The good news - he continued – is that it is destined to reach all people and nations, and turn from all cultures, opening them to the fundamental truth: God is love, became man in Jesus and his sacrifice has redeemed humanity from its slavery to evil giving it a trustworthy hope."
These were the words spoken by the Pope at the Sunday Angelus recited in the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, in front of several hundred people.
After recalling the "persons, families, communities that agree to work for the vineyard of the Lord," Benedict XVI invited all to pray that Church might operate for the new evangelization and "so that in the entire Church will mature new priestly vocations, religious and laity to serve the new evangelization."
Pope's reflection started from a passage from the Letter to the Philippians and, explaining that passage, Pope Ratzinger has insisted that Christ is not "just a historical figure, a master of wisdom, a religious leader, but - he said - a man in whom God dwells in person."
The Pontiff has also thanked "the large group from Coldiretti" (the largest Italian farmers association) present at Castel Gandolfo during the Angelus prayer "for the gift of the hive placed in this villa."
Benedict XVI said it in his Italian greetings, appreciating the gift received for the summer residence of the popes, one of the initiatives planned at the Campagna Amica, organized by the farmers.
The Campaign also protects the specialties saved from extinction thanks to a careful restoration and conservation work of farmers.
Benedict XVI greeted the other Italian groups, including the UNITALSI. Immediately after the Angelus instead he recalled the beatification in Turin, of Francesco Paleari, from the Society of Priests of St. Joseph Cottolengo.