Vatican City  - Pope Benedict XVI recalling Sunday how angels had helped Jesus spurn the Devil, urged the faithful to pray that he and his Vatican aides may also be "watched over" by the traditionally winged beings.

The pontiff in his midday Angelus message, referred to the Gospel of St Mark story, in which Jesus spends 40 days in the desert and rejects several gifts and offers made to him by Satan.

"Almost fleetingly, in this brief account, the angels appear luminous and mysterious before the dark figure who dares tempt the Lord (Jesus)," Benedict told thousands gathered in St Peter's Square.

The angels "are a counterpoint to Satan," Benedict said. He also mentioned other episodes in the Bible involving angels, including the Angel Gabriel's announcing of Jesus' birth.

Benedict also said that Jesus' rejection of Satan's gifts of worldly comforts, should serve as an example during the current period of Lent.

Lent is for Catholics a traditional 40-day period of penance and fasting for Catholics leading to Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 12. dpa