At the end of the Holy Mass celebrated in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, the Pope handed the book of the Gospels – printed in large letters – to some elderly people in attendance. The same volume was also distributed after the ceremony to participants yesterday morning in St. Peter’s Square.
Before the concluding rites of the Mass, the Holy Father prayed the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Here below are the words of the Pope in introducing the Marian prayer:
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“Before concluding this celebration, I wish to greet all the pilgrims, especially you who are elderly who have come from many countries. Thank you!
I extend a cordial greeting to the participants of the conference-pilgrimage “Singing the Faith”, organized on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the choir of the diocese of Rome. Thank you for your presence, and thank you for this lively celebration with singing, alongside the Sistine Chapel. Continue to carry out with joy and generosity the liturgical service in your community!
Yesterday in Madrid, Bishop Álvaro del Portillo was beatified; his exemplary Christian witness and the priesthood can bring about in many the desire to adhere more and more to Christ and the Gospel.
Next Sunday we will begin the Synodal Assembly on the theme of family. This is the principal responsibility of Cardinal Baldisseri. Pray for him. I encourage everyone, individuals and communities, to pray for this important event and I entrust this intention to the intercession of Mary, Salus Populi Romani.
Now let us pray together the Angelus. With this prayer, we invoke Mary’s protection for the elderly throughout the world, especially for those who live in situations of greater difficulty.
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
