At the end of the catechesis, Leo The Pope’s thoughts also went to Ukraine, a country for which he asked for prayers so that the “war ends” and “a just and lasting peace” is possible. Finally, the Pontiff greeted the various groups of pilgrims present, inviting them to look at the world “with the eyes of God”. The audience then concluded with the singing of the “Pater noster” and the apostolic blessing in Latin.
I cordially greet the French-speaking pilgrims who have come from Benin and France, in particular the group from La Réunion, the priests and the students of the various schools.
We learn from Jesus to look at others, people and the world with the eyes of God, that is, with love, respect and compassion.
I bless you from the bottom of my heart!
I extend a warm welcome to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from England, Cameroon, Taiwan, The Philippines and the United States of America. As the summer holidays begin for many, may this time be an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord through moments of prayer and to support one another through generous acts of charity. Upon all of you and your families, I invoke the peace and unity of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
(German speaking)
Dear brothers and sisters, for the Apostolic Journey to Spain the motto «Look up» (see John 4, 35). Let us all turn our gaze to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. From Him we learn to look at others and the whole world with the eyes of God, full of love, respect and compassion.
I cordially greet the pilgrims of the Spanish language. As Jesus indicated to his disciples, I invite him to raise his gaze to learn to see in people his desire for life, truth and plenitude (cf. Jn 4, 35). What we also learn to look at others with the eyes of God is to say, with love, respect and compassion. May God bless them. Much thanks.
I extend my cordial greetings to the Chinese-speaking people. Dear brothers and sisters, I encourage you to progress ever more in spiritual joy and fidelity to the Gospel. I bless you from the bottom of my heart.
I am pleased to welcome the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims, especially the group of priests who arrived from Portugal and the Marist family from Brazil. Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord Jesus asks us to lift our eyes and observe humanity with his compassionate gaze, transforming every place with hope and charity. God bless you!
I greet the Arabic-speaking faithful. We are called to lift our gaze and look at the world with the eyes of God, full of love, respect and compassion. May the Lord bless you all and protect you always from all evil!
I cordially greet the Poles. The celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the reactivation of Catholic Action in Poland, which occurred thanks to the inspiration of Saint John Paul II, who defined it as a “school of faith”, are underway. I thank the assistants and members of the association for their commitment to evangelization. May your faith be a sign of hope for others. My blessing to all!
I welcome with satisfaction the achievement of an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, which will be signed on Friday, as an encouraging result of patient dialogue and negotiation. I express gratitude to the countries that have worked to facilitate the meeting between the Parties and make this agreement possible. I hope that this agreement can contribute to strengthening mutual trust, security and stability in the Middle East, promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation between peoples.
Instead, painful news arrives about the war in Ukraine, which continues to spread: many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and places of cultural heritage devastated by flames. I am close to those who mourn their loved ones, to the wounded and to those who, in the midst of violence, continue to serve life with courage. I invite everyone to pray for this war to end. We ask the Lord to open ways of dialogue, to extinguish hatred and to make a just and lasting peace possible.
I extend my cordial welcome to the Italian-speaking pilgrims. In particular, I greet the pilgrimage of the Diocese of Volterra, with Bishop Monsignor Roberto Campiotti: dear brothers and sisters, may the stop at the tombs of the Apostles strengthen you in faith and push you to continue with renewed enthusiasm on the path of holiness, faithful to the Gospel and the teaching of the Church.
I warmly welcome the new priests of Brescia and Cremona, the Theatine Clerics Regular and the Chaplains of the Italian prisons: I wish each of them to be hard-working workers in the Lord’s vineyard. I also greet the faithful of Borgo Velino, San Bartolomeo in Galdo and Santa Barbara in Salento, as well as the Vjs Velletri sports association, the Jungle Tea Palestrina basketball team and the Piana degli Albanesi Tempo Bank Association: upon all I invoke the grace of the Lord and the maternal assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Finally, my thoughts go to the young people, the sick and the newlyweds. We are on the threshold of the summer period, a time of tourism and pilgrimages, holidays and rest. Dear young people, while I think of your peers who are still facing exams, I hope that you who are already on holiday can take advantage of the summer for useful social and religious experiences. I urge you, dear sick people, to find comfort and relief in the closeness of your family members. And to you, dear newlyweds, I address the invitation to use this summer period to increasingly deepen the value of the mission in the Church and in society.
My blessing to all!
