Be Holy and Faithful to Rome, Pope Tells Seminarians and Priests

Receives Students of German-Hungarian Pontifical College

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 28, 2002 (Zenit.org).- During an audience with priests and seminarians of the German-Hungarian Pontifical College, John Paul II highlighted the need for holiness and fidelity to Rome.

Today's audience helped mark the 450th anniversary of the college's foundation.

The "Germanicum," as it's generally known, was the initiative of Ignatius of Loyola, who asked Pope Julius III to open a center in Rome to train future priests coming from the Holy Roman Empire.

In his meeting with the students, John Paul II encouraged them "to learn the authentic 'romanitas.'"

"Profound love for and fidelity to the Successor of St. Peter, together with internal and external obedience to the Magesterium and discipline of the Church, will enable you to participate in the necessary renewal of ecclesial life of your countries of origin," the Pope said.

Today, most of the seminarians and priests of the Germanicum are German, although some come from Hungary and elsewhere.

Before bidding the students farewell, the Holy Father expressed his hope "that you be holy priests."

"Make the holy Mass the spiritual center of your whole day and pray much," he urged. "Take the rosary in your hands to contemplate, together with Mary, the face of Christ."