The Corpus Domini processions to publicly testify to faith
At the end of the catechesis, the Pope greeted the pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square, and in particular hoped, in view of the Solemnity of Corpus Domini, that the Eucharistic processions would be “a courageous testimony of faith and remind everyone that God is present among his people and accompanies them in daily life”. From the Pontiff the encouragement to “keep alive this beautiful demonstration of public testimony of faith”. Finally, he addressed a thought to the priests and religious of the Middle East, accompanying their ministry “and the expectations of their respective countries” with prayer and blessings. The audience then concluded with the singing of the “Pater noster” and the apostolic blessing in Latin.
I cordially greet the French-speaking pilgrims, in particular the young people from Mauritius and France.
Brothers and sisters, may your liturgies, with their beauty and solemnity, always be centered on the Mystery and lead your souls to the contemplation of God the Trinity. May they build and manifest the unity of the Church in authentic and welcoming charity.
God bless you and your families.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly the groups from England, Sweden, Australia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Canada, and the United States of America. I greet in particular the scholars and participants in the conference “Revising the World Medical Association Declaration of Taipei” and the organizing partners of the Global Summit, “Fostering Hope for Children.” As we prepare for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, let us be strengthened by this divine gift and become witnesses of his love to all we encounter. God bless you!
I extend a cordial welcome to the German-speaking pilgrims. I wish you a good stay in the Eternal City which helps you to progress in the Faith. In particular I would like to salute theAssociation of Austrians in Romewhich celebrates the centenary of its foundation. Willkommen!
I cordially greet the pilgrims of the Spanish language. I invite you to take part in the rites of our celebrations, actively participating in them, so that they truly feel like a living encounter with the Lord. May God bless them. Much thanks.
I extend my cordial greetings to the Chinese-speaking people. Dear brothers and sisters, do not tire of being witnesses of brotherhood and peace everywhere. I bless you from the bottom of my heart.
I cordially greet all Portuguese-speaking pilgrims! Dear brothers and sisters, in this month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us draw closer to the source of God’s mercy and tenderness, so that the Risen One transforms our hearts, making it more patient, generous and compassionate. The Lord bless you!
I greet the Arabic-speaking faithful, in particular the priests and religious from the Middle East. The Holy Spirit is our guide and our support on the journey of life. Let us open our hearts to Him so that He may lead us to the truth and fill us with the peace of Christ. May the Lord bless you all and protect you always from all evil!
I cordially greet the Poles! Starting from the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and in the following days you will pay particular homage to Christ present in the Eucharist. May participation in Eucharistic processions – especially by families, children and young people – be a courageous testimony of faith and remind everyone that God is present among his people and accompanies them in daily life. I bless you all!
I extend my cordial welcome to the Italian-speaking pilgrims. In particular, I greet the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Members of the Montfort Family and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle, encouraging them to be a sign of hope for those who thirst for God, for his truth and his peace. I would like to reserve a particular word for the Priests and Religious of the Middle East: I accompany your ministry and the expectations of your respective countries with my prayer and blessing.
Finally, I turn to young people, the sick and newlyweds. This week we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or, according to the best-known Latin formulation, the solemnity of Corpus Christi. In the Eucharist we contemplate Jesus bread broken and given for each of us. An expression of popular Eucharistic piety are the processions with the Blessed Sacrament which take place in the streets of many towns; in this regard, I encourage you to keep alive this beautiful demonstration of public testimony to the faith.
My blessing to all!
