Pope Francis extended a “warm” welcome and call to “take risks” to Arab-speaking visitors, especially those from the Middle East, during his August 30, 2017 weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square.
“I give a warm welcome to the Arabic-speaking pilgrims, in particular those from the Middle East,” the Pope said.
He invited them to let Jesus “gaze” at them: “Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus also directs His gaze to you and invites you to go with Him.”
This is the “risk” he asks them to dare to be able to follow Christ: “Don’t be afraid to listen to the Spirit that suggests daring choices to you, and don’t delay when your conscience asks you to risk in order to follow the Teacher. May the Lord bless you!”
Translation by Virginia M. Forrester
