VATICAN - The Pope prayed at the Angelus "that in every part of the world religious freedom may be assured for all"

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Today in Italy, at the invitation of Bishops, ecclesial communities pray for Christians who suffer persecution and discrimination, especially in Iraq. I join this choral invocation to the God of life and peace, that in every part of the world religious freedom may be assured for all. I am close to these brothers and sisters for the great witness of faith that they give to God." These words were spoken by the Holy Father Benedict XVI after reciting the prayer of the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square on Sunday, 21 November. The Pope also mentioned the celebration of the "Pro Orantibus Day", dedicated to cloistered nuns and monks, with an invitation to "concretely support these communities," to which he imparted his Blessing.
Before the Angelus, the Holy Father had stopped to comment on the meaning of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. "The Gospel of St Luke presents, like a big painting, the kingship of Jesus at the time of the crucifixion," the Pontiff said, "truly on the Cross Jesus is the 'height' of God who is Love. There one may 'know him'. Jesus gives us 'life' because God gives it. He can give it because he himself is one with God". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 22/11/2010)