Pontiff Spiritually United With Pilgrims at Knock

In the letter, issued on behalf of the Holy Father by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, the Pope said that he was "spiritually united to all who … offer adoration, thanksgiving and praise to the living God for the saving sacrifice of Christ on the Cross."

He stated that with "the frequent and worthy reception of the Bread of Life," he was confident that the faithful would be led down a path of "conversion, in truth, justice and charity."

The letter concluded with the Pope imparting his apostolic blessing on "all the faithful people in Ireland [seeking] the intercession of Mary, the Mother of the Church."