Sts. Peter and Paul had very different charisms and missions, but both are the Church's foundation, says Benedict XVI.And the pallium, which the Pope bestowed on 38 metropolitan archbishops Tuesday, symbolizes both union with Peter and the missionary mandate lived by Paul, he noted.
The Pope made a reflection on the "holy roots" of the Church of Rome when he prayed the midday Angelus on Tuesday, following a Mass he celebrated for the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
It is during the Mass for this feast that the Pontiff traditionally gives out the pallium to new metropolitan archbishops.
"The two patron saints of Rome, though having received from God different charisms and different missions to fulfill, are both the foundation of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church," he said.
"[...] Because of this, during this morning's Holy Mass in the Vatican basilica, I conferred upon 38 metropolitan archbishops the pallium, which symbolizes both communion with the Bishop of Rome as well as the mission to feed with love the one flock of Christ."
"May the example of the Apostles Peter and Paul illumine minds and ignite in the hearts of believers the holy desire to do the will of God, so that the Church journeying on earth may always be faithful to her Lord," the Holy Father concluded.
"Let us turn with confidence to the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles, who from Heaven guides and sustains the path of the People of God."
SIC: Zenit