At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, Pope Francis recited the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square. These are the Pope’s words of introduction to the Marian prayer:
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Dear brothers and sisters,
At the conclusion of the this solemn celebration, I wish to greet the pilgrims from Italy and from various countries, with a respectful greeting to the official Delegations. In particular, I greet the faithful from the diocese of Brescia, Milan and Rome, who are significantly linked to the life and ministry of Pope Montini. I thank you all for your presence and exhort you to faithfully follow the teachings and example of the newly Blessed.
He was a staunch supporter of the mission ad gentes; a testimony of this is the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii nuntiandi with which he intended to awaken the enthusiasm and commitment to the mission of the Church. It is important to consider this aspect of the Pontificate of Paul VI, especially today as we celebrate World Mission Day.
Before invoking Our Lady all together with the Angelus prayer, I would like to underline the profound Marian devotion of Blessed Paul VI. To this Pontiff, the Christian people will always be grateful for the Apostolic Exhortation Marialis cultus and for having proclaimed Mary as «The Mother of the Church», on the occasion of the closing of the third session of the Second Vatican Council.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, help us to carry out faithfully in our lives the will of the Lord, as the newly Blessed had done.
Angelus…
[Translation by Junno Arocho Esteves]
