Here is a ZENIT translation of Pope Francis’ address before and after the recitation of the Angelus, to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
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BEFORE THE ANGELUS
Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning!
Today we celebrate the feast of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, praising God for their preaching and their testimony. The Church of Rome is founded on the faith of these two Apostles, which has always venerated them as Patrons. However, it is the whole universal Church that looks at them with admiration, considering them two columns and two great lights that shine not only in the sky of Rome, but in the heart of believers of the East and West.
In the account of the mission of the Apostles, the Gospel tells us that Jesus sent them two by two (cf. Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:1). In a certain sense, Peter and Paul were also sent from the Holy Land to Rome to preach the Gospel. They were two men who were very different from one another: Peter a “humble fisherman,” <and> Paul a “teacher and doctor,” as today’s Liturgy states. However, if we know Jesus here at Rome, and if the Christian faith is a living and fundamental part of the spiritual patrimony and of the culture of this territory, it is due to the apostolic courage of these two sons of the Near East. Out of love for Christ, they left their homeland and, heedless of the difficulties of the long trip and of the risks and diffidence that they would meet, they came to Rome. Here they made themselves heralds and witnesses of the Gospel among the people, and they sealed their mission of faith and charity with martyrdom.
Today Peter and Paul return ideally among us, they go over the streets of this city, knock on the door of our homes, but especially of our hearts. Once again they want to bring Jesus, His merciful love, His consolation <and> His peace. Let us receive their message! Let us make a treasure of their testimony! The pure and solid faith of Peter, the great and universal heart of Paul will help us to be joyful Christians, faithful to the Gospel and open to an encounter with all.
This morning, during the Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica, I blessed the pallia of the Metropolitan Archbishops from different countries, appointed this past year. I renew my greeting and best wishes to them, their relatives and all those who accompanied them on this pilgrimage; and I encourage them to continue joyfully their mission at the service of the Gospel, in communion with the whole Church and, especially, with the See of Peter, as in fact the sign of the pallium expresses.
In the same celebration, I received with joy and affection the members of the Delegation that came to Rome in the name of the Ecumenical Patriarch, most beloved brother Bartholomew. This presence is also a sign of the existing fraternal bonds between our Churches. We pray that the bonds of communion and common witness may be increasingly reinforced.
To the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, we entrust today the whole world and, in particular, this city of Rome, that it may always find in the spiritual and moral values of which it is rich, the foundation of its social life and of its mission in Italy, in Europe and in the world.
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
AFTER THE ANGELUS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Last night, a brutal terrorist attack was carried out at Istanbul, which killed and wounded many persons. We pray for the victims, for their relatives and for the dear Turkish people. May the Lord convert the hearts of the violent and support our steps on the path of peace.
Ave Maria …
The International Conference on responsible investments with a social impact, entitled “Make of the Year of Mercy a Year of Impact for the Poor,” concluded a short time ago. May private investments in unison with public <investments>, foster the overcoming of the poverty of so many marginalized persons.
A warm greeting goes to you all, families, parish groups, Associations and individual faithful from Italy and from many parts of the world, especially from Spain, Ukraine and China. I greet the students of the Catholic schools of London and of the United States of America, and the Sisters of USMI of Lombardy.
My greeting today goes above all to the faithful of Rome, on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Patrons of the city! For this occasion the “Pro Loco” of Rome has promoted the traditional <Floral Embellishment>, made by several artists and by volunteers of the Civil Service. Thank you for this initiative and for the beautiful floral representations! And I wish to remember also the pyrotechnic show that will take place this evening at Piazza del Popolo, the proceeds of which will go to support works of charity in the Holy land and in countries of the Middle East.
I wish everyone a happy feast. Please, do not forget to pray for me. Have a good lunch and see you soon!
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
