Pope: John the Baptist proclaims Jesus with humilty and love



Pope Benedict XVI asked the faithful to accompany him in prayer during a visit on Tuesday to the areas affected by a recent earthquake in Northern Italy.

The Pope dedicated his thoughts before the recitation of the Marian prayer to the figure of St. John the Baptist, whose feast day is celebrated on the 24th June.

The Pope noted that John's name means, "the Lord gives grace," . John called the Baptist performed baptisms in the Jordan River, and announced the imminent coming of the Messiah. He also invited everyone to convert, demonstrating his commitment to martyrdom. For John, "was beheaded in the prison of King Herod, and so bore full witness to the Lamb of God, and first recognized and made Jesus known publicly. We follow his example", said Pope Benedict, "making visible the joy and mercy of God for mankind."
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