Benedict XVI Recalls Martyred Mi

Reminds Cardinals of Fidelity Unto Death to the Gospel

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 26, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI calls it a "providential coincidence" that the recent consistory of cardinals took place on the Day of Fasting and Prayer in memory of martyred missionaries.

The Pope said this today in his Angelus address in which he expressed his solidarity with persecuted Christian communities, and remembered in particular the missionaries who have given their lives for the Gospel this past year.

The Day of Missionaries, held every March 24, was launched in 1993 by the Youth Missionary Movement of the Pontifical Missionary Works. This year Benedict XVI elevated 15 new cardinals on the same date.

The Holy Father said it was a "providential coincidence," as fidelity to the Gospel "unto the sacrifice of one's life is the distinctive character of cardinals, as attested by their oath, and as symbolized by scarlet, the color of blood."

"The consistory was an occasion to feel closer than ever to all those Christians suffering persecutions because of the faith," said the Pontiff.

"Their witness, of which we hear news daily, and above all the sacrifice of those who have been killed, is for us a reason for edification and motivates us to an ever more sincere and generous evangelical commitment," the Pope continued.

Seeds of the Kingdom

Benedict XVI's thoughts went "especially to those communities that live in countries where religious freedom is lacking and that, in fact, suffer many restrictions, despite its being affirmed on paper."

To these Christians, the Holy Father sent his "affectionate encouragement, so that they will persevere in the patience and charity of Christ, seed of the Kingdom of God that is coming, more than that, which is already in the world."

"To all those working at the service of the Gospel in those difficult situations, I wish to express my most profound solidarity in the name of the whole Church, and at the same time assure them of my daily remembrance in prayer," the Pope said.

The last missionary to be killed was Father Eusebio Ferr�o, on the night of March 17-18, in the Indian state of Goa.

According to the Vatican news agency Fides, 24 missionaries were reported killed in 2005, including bishops, priests, religious and lay people.

Fides said there are likely other cases of martyrdom went unreported outside their locales.

Between 2002 and 2005, Fides reported 163 martyrs. In 2006, Catholic missionaries have already been killed in India, Turkey, the Philippines, Burundi, Angola, Nigeria and Colombia.

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