Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 305

In this way, coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth,

freedom and justice can flourish - a world where the God-given dignity and

rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effec-

tively advanced.

Mr. President, dear friends: as I begin my visit to the United States, I

express once more my gratitude for your invitation, my joy to be in your

midst, and my fervent prayers that Almighty God will confirm this nation

and its people in the ways of justice, prosperity and peace. God bless

America!

II

Ad Episcopos Civitatum Foederatarum Americae Septentrionalis.*

Dear Brother Bishops,

It gives me great joy to greet you today, at the start of my visit to this

country, and I thank Cardinal George for the gracious words he has ad-

dressed to me on your behalf. I want to thank all of you, especially the

Officers of the Episcopal Conference, for the hard work that has gone into

the preparation of this visit. My grateful appreciation goes also to the staff

and volunteers of the National Shrine, who have welcomed us here this

evening. American Catholics are noted for their loyal devotion to the see of

Peter. My pastoral visit here is an opportunity to strengthen further the

bonds of communion that unite us. We began by celebrating Evening Prayer

in this Basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, a shrine of special significance to American Catholics, right in the heart

of your capital city. Gathered in prayer with Mary, Mother of Jesus, we

lovingly commend to our heavenly Father the people of God in every part

of the United States.

For the Catholic communities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and

Louisville, this is a year of particular celebration, as it marks the bicentenary

of the establishment of these local Churches as Dioceses. I join you in giving

thanks for the many graces granted to the Church there during these two

* Die 16 Aprilis 2008,