Pope Addresses 'Ecclesia in America' Conference Attendees

Pope Benedict XVI addressed the attendees of the "Ecclesia in America" conference at St. Peter's Basilica Sunday evening following the Mass that officially opened the conference. Several of the conference organizers and dignitaries, including Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, had an opportunity to personally greet the Holy Father.

Pope Benedict told those in attendance: "Dear friends, the love of Christ impels us to devote ourselves without reserve to proclaiming his Name throughout America, bringing it freely and enthusiastically to the hearts of all its inhabitants. There is no more rewarding or beneficial work than this. There is no greater service that we can provide to our brothers and sisters. They are thirsting for God."

Read his full message here (bilingual).