«May your time in the City of the Apostles confirm you in faith, hope and love,» the Pope said today, in a brief greeting addressed to them in six languages and read by six different priests.
The cardinals were accompanied in Paul VI Hall by relatives, friends and pilgrims from their respective dioceses.
The Pope entrusted their ministry to the «heavenly protection» of the Virgin Mary, and imparted his apostolic blessing.
The audience brought to an end the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of this pontificate, which culminated with the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta on Sunday and the elevation of the new cardinals.
On Friday, the Pope plans to attend the Mass for the opening of the academic year. The Mass gathers professors and students of Rome’s pontifical universities.
