yet We have not for that reason, as Our conscience bears witness, given ever Our hopes and Our   
efforts in behalf of the afflicted members of the great human family everywhere.  And as the   
episcopal see of the Lopes is Rome, from where through these long centuries they have ruled the   
flock entrusted to them by the Divine Shepherd of souls, it is natural that amid all the vicissitudes   
of their complex and chequered history the faithful of Italy should feel themselves bound by more   
than ordinary ties to this Holy See, and have learned to look to it for protection and comfort   
especially in hours of crisis.
 
     
 
 
In such an hour today their pleading voices reach Us carried on by their steady confidence   
that they will not go unanswered.  Fathers and mothers, old and young every day are appealing for   
Our help; and We, whose paternal heart beats in unison with the sufferings and sorrows of all   
mankind, cannot but respond with the deepest feelings of Our soul to such insistent prayers, lest   
the poor and humble shall have placed their confidence in Us in vain.
 
     
 
 
And so very sincerely and confidentially We address Ourselves to Your Excellency, sure that   
no one will recognize more