Sunday, November 25, 2007

Second encyclical

VATICAN CITY (Zenit) - Benedict XVI's second encyclical, "Spe Salvi," will be signed and released to the public Nov. 30, the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle.

The Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said Thursday that the Holy Father would sign the document next Friday. The Vatican further confirmed today that the encyclical will also be released that day in eight languages, including English.

The Holy See said "Saved In Hope" will be presented by Cardinal Georges Cottier, retired theologian of the pontifical household, and Cardinal Albert Vanhoye, retired professor of New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute.

As the Church prepares for the Year of St. Paul, the title, "Spe Salvi," refers to Paul's Letter to the Romans, 8:24: "For in hope we were saved."

Hope has been an important theme in this pontificate. For example, in the homily the Pope delivered in Naples last Oct. 21 at the inauguration of the interreligious meeting for peace, he spoke of hope 11 times.

Benedict XVI's second encyclical continues with a reflection on the theological virtues, faith, hope and charity. His first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est," signed Christmas day, 2005, considered charity.

www.zenit.org

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