Over 25.000 people listened to Benedetto XVI upon his arrival in piazza San Carlo. At the altar, the Pope was welcomed by Sergio Chiamparino, major of Turin.

 

“Holy Father, we have been looking forward to receiving your visit for a long time. This is a moment of grace for us all”, declared Cardinal Severino Poletto while greeting the Pope in piazza. “The Holy Shroud makes us meditate upon women and men sufferings and understand the motto of this display ”.

 

The Holy Father dedicated his homily to sick persons and all the ones who could not come to Turin today. The Pope focused on daily difficulties, social problems and jobs. “Christian life is not easy”, said Benedetto XVI. “I am aware that also citizens of Turin are currently experiencing many difficulties, problems and worries. I am referring to who lives in precarious working conditions due to lack of jobs, future uncertainty, physical and moral suffering; I am thinking of families, youth, elderly persons who live in solitude, immigrants. The certainty that comes from the faith teaches us we are not alone, God loves all of us and is always with us with His love that make us cope with daily problems and struggles.”

 

The Pope added: “The Holy Shroud shows us our sufferings mirrored in Jesus Christ’s passion . For this reason the Holy Shroud represents a symbol of hope for us: Christ faced his cross and won against the sin. The same will come for us.”