In his Regina Ceoli address, Pope Benedict XVI announced a new World Congress on putting mercy into practise to mark the 3^rd anniversary of John Paul II's death.
 Pope Benedict XVI's marked Divine Mercy Sunday and paid homage to his predecessor John Paul II this Sunday in his Regina Ceoli address, delivered from the Balcony of his papal residence high in the Roman hills at midday.

Greeting the crowds who filled the small courtyard, Pope Benedict invited them to join him Wednesday in St Peter's square, for mass marking the third anniversary of the John Paul II's death.

Describing his predecessor as "an Apostle of Divine Mercy" the Holy Father reflected on "that unforgettable Saturday, 2 April 2005, when he closed his eyes to this world", which pointed out Pope Benedict "was the eve of the Second Sunday of Easter", commonly known as White Sunday or Domenica in Albis, but also Divine Mercy Sunday.

It was during the Jubilee year 2000 when the beloved Servant of God John Paul II decreed that on the first Sunday following Easter the entire Church observe Divine Mercy Sunday. This was decreed on the same day the humble Polish nun and zealous messenger of Christ's Mercy, Faustina Kowalska, was canonized.

Pope Benedict continued "His message, like that of St Faustina's, leads back to the face of Christ, the supreme revelation of God's mercy. Mercy, is in reality the core of the Evangelical message; This love of mercy illuminates the face of the Church as well. All that the Church says and does is a manifestation of God's mercy for man. From Divine Mercy, which pacifies the hearts, comes true peace in the world, peace among different peoples, cultures and religions"

"In effect the heart of [Pope John Paul's] long and multifaceted pontificate lies in that; his entire mission in the service of the truth about God and man and peace in the world is summarised in this announcement, which he made himself in Krakow-Łagiewniki in 2002, when he inaugurated the Shrine of Divine Mercy: ‘[A]part from the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for mankind.'

"Many" observed pope Benedict "noted the singular coincidence...of the timing of his death.... with its Marian dimension, that of being the first Saturday of the month and that of Divine Mercy.
 Before taking his leave of the crowds, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the residents of Castel Gandolfo village for their hospitality during his week's respite. The Holy Father than greeted all those who had gathered to prayer the Regina Ceoli with him, before returning to the Vatican:

"This Sunday's Gospel reminds us that through faith we recognize the presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, and that we receive from him the gift of the Holy Spirit. During this Easter season may we strengthen our desire to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ calling us to a life of peace and joy".

News by - Radio Vaticana -