English Summary of Today's General Audience

Here is the summary given in English of today's general audience.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters: My apostolic journey to Albania this past Sunday was meant to be a sign of my closeness, and that of the universal Church, to the Albanian people, who suffered for years under a godless and inhuman regime, but are now working to build a peaceful society marked by mutual respect and cooperation in the service of the common good. Particularly significant in this regard is the spirit of coexistence and dialogue between Albania’s different religious communities, all of whom endured bitter persecution for their belief in God. In my meeting with the followers of the various religions, I encouraged this important witness, which respects and builds upon the identity of each. With our Catholic brothers and sisters I honoured the heroic testimony of the many martyrs whose sufferings have brought forth fruits of spiritual rebirth and I invited Christians to be a leaven of goodness, charity and reconciliation in Albanian society. Through the prayers of Our Lady of Good Counsel, may God continue to inspire the Albanian people to build a society of justice, peace and solidarity.

I greet the new students of the Venerable English College in Rome and I assure them of my closeness in prayer as they begin their studies for the priesthood. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims taking part in today’s Audience, including those from England, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, India, China, Japan, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, I invoke the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus. God bless you!

[Original text: English]