The Pope's Press Conference

There's been an awful lot of drivel written about things the pope said.during his long interview with the press on the plane during the return from World Youth Day. It might be useful for people to read what he actually said for themselves. So here's a link. I confess, some of it leaves me encouraged, some a bit baffled, but I trust in the Holy Spirit and following the lead of little Jacinta of Fatima I want to be truly committed to praying for the Holy Father. No pope can destroy the orthodoxy of the Church. The Holy Spirit promised to remain with the Church and many saints have emphasized the necessity of our connection to Peter. Where Peter is, there is the Church. So please pray for our Holy Father no matter what. Here's just one prayer to inspire you:

Prayer for the Pope

O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace.

Wherefore, O Lord, turn Thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his. Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.