Urbi et Orbi Message
Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace
Opening of the Holy Door at Basilica of St. Mary Major

On the stroke of midnight marking the beginning of the Year 2000, the Holy Father spoke to the pilgrims rejoicing in St Peter's Square and gave them his blessing for the new year and the new millennium. Here is a translation of the Pope's remarks, which were made in Italian.

The clock of history strikes an important hour: at this moment the Year, 2000 begins, and we enter into a new millennium. For believers this is the year of the Great Jubilee.

A Happy New Year to all of you, men and women of every part of the world!

As we cross the threshold of the New Year, I would like to knock at the door, of every home, to bring to each of you my cordial good wishes: a Happy New Year to everyone in the light which, shines out from Bethlehem upon the whole universe!

I wish you a year filled with peace: the peace proclaimed by the Angels on that Holy Night; the peace of Christ, who, out of love became a brother to every human being! I wish you a year filled with serenity and happiness: may you always be, certain of God's love for us. As he did 2,000 years ago, Christ comes today with his saving Gospel to guide the uncertain and faltering steps of peoples and nations, leading them towards a future of true hope.

I ask him to bless this moment of festivity and good wishes, that it may be the promising beginning of a new millennium filled with joy and peace. Let us enter the Year 2000 with our eyes fixed on the mystery of the Incarnation.

Christ, yesterday, today and for ever.

To him belong time and the ages.

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen!

I thank you. Happy New Year to all. Praised be Jesus Christ!