Pope Benedict XVI, head of the universal Roman Catholic Church has sent Independence greetings to the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of the country’s golden jubilee.

In the message, which is addressed to His Excellency President George Maxwell Richards, His Holiness invokes God’s “abundant blessings” on the nation, while continuing “to promote the common good in a spirit of peace, justice and solidarity.”

The message, which was received in Port of Spain by Archbishop Joseph Harris is reproduced below -:

“To His Excellency Dr George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain

I am pleased to send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and to all your fellow citizens on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the nation’s Independence Day. Invoking Almighty God’s abundant blessings upon your country, I pray that the people of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to promote the common good in a spirit of peace, justice, and solidarity.”

Benedictus PP XVI

August 28, 2012