Vatican City, May 18, 2007 / 09:13 am

Today in the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo, shortly before his return to the Vatican this evening, the Pope received prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Mali. Benedict XVI called them to remain close to their flock, caring for the needs of priests, seminarians, and the laity.

The Pope called upon the bishops to be "zealous pastors who, as men of faith, guide the people of God with trust and courage, remaining close to everyone so as to engender hope, even in the most difficult situations."

Addressing the need for priests to remain spiritually grounded, Benedict said, contemplative and sacramental life are, “a real pastoral priority, which will help priests to respond decisively to the call to sanctity they received from the Lord and to thei

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