Here is the English-language summary of Pope Francis’ General Audience this morning in St. Peter’s Square:
***
Speaker: Dear Brothers and Sisters: As part of our continuing catechesis during this Holy Year devoted to God’s mercy, we now turn to the message of consolation found in the book of the prophet Jeremiah. The jarring experience of the Exile had shaken the faith of the Chosen People, yet the prophet proclaims that God, far from abandoning his people, reaffirms his faithful love and his promise of salvation. Jeremiah’s words of consolation and hope have a particular resonance today in the light of so many tragic situations of exile throughout our world. They also tell us of God’s gracious offer of forgiveness, restoration and the possibility of a new beginning. The prophet’s imagery of the desolate land turning into a garden, and the joyful throngs ascending Mount Zion, speak of God’s power to bring life out of death and blessing out of evil. Jeremiah’s prophecy finds supreme fulfilment in the coming of Jesus, whose paschal mystery proclaims the triumph of God’s merciful love and his promise of reconciliation, renewal and life eternal.
Speaker: I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, including those from England, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Canada and the United States. With prayerful good wishes that the present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
