Travel And Tourism

VATICAN CITY, MAR 14, 2007 (VIS) - Following today's general audience, Benedict XVI went to the
headquarters of the Fabric of St. Peter's to greet the people who work there. Among their other duties,
they are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Vatican Basilica. The Pope also greeted
Archbishop Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica and Bishop Vittorio Lanzani, delegate of
the Fabric. In his remarks to them and to all the staff of this pontifical institution he recalled how they
undertake their duties "in a place, the venerable basilica of the Apostle, that is the heart of the
Catholic Church. A beating heart, thanks to the Holy Spirit which keeps it alive,
but also thanks to the activity of those who daily ensure its upkeep.

"Slightly more than 500 years have passed," he added, "since the first stone of the second
Vatican Basilica was laid. ... And yet it remains a living place, it is not a museum,
it is a spiritual organism, and the stones also reflect this vitality."
Benedict XVI thanked the staff of the Fabric for the work they carry out
"with commitment and competence, so that this 'heart' of the Church
... can continue to 'beat' with perennial vitality, drawing to herself men and women
of the entire world and helping them to enjoy a spiritual experience that marks their lives."
Pope Benedict concluded: "Thanks to your efforts, ... many people are able to draw fruit from their
pilgrimage or visit to the Vatican Basilica,
and take away in their hearts a message of faith and hope."

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