Speaking before sanctuary rectors, Pope Francis repeated the idea he mentioned a few days ago to liturgical choirs from all over the world: the importance of respecting popular piety.
Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, opened the meeting by addressing some words to the pope.
'We know how much popular piety matters to you. Holy Father, thank you for the opportunity to meet with you.'
The pope said shrines are places with a special mission: to nourish the faith of the pilgrim.
POPE FRANCIS
'They are the place where our people can best express their own faith with simplicity, according to the varied traditions that have been learned since childhood. In addition, the shrines are called to nourish the prayer of each pilgrim in the silence of his or her heart.'
The rectors of sanctuaries met in Rome for this congress organized by the Pontifical Lateran University.
