On the first day of the year, during the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis wished that every man and woman in the world would be able to welcome God who was made man.
POPE FRANCIS
'Today Our Lady blesses us all, everyone. She blesses the journey of each man and woman in this year that begins and that will be good in the measure that each one receives the kindness of God that Jesus has come to bring to the world.'
On the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Pope invited the pilgrims to think especially about Our Lady and had this detail with her.
POPE FRANCIS
'I would like everyone to greet her now by saying three times: 'Holy Mother of God.' All together: 'Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God.'”
Pope Francis recalled that January 1 also marks the World Day of Peace. This year's motto is, 'Good politics at the service of peace.' For this reason, the pope appealed to the consciences of all Christians.
POPE FRANCIS
'Do not think that politics is reserved only for politicians: we are all responsible for the life of the 'city' and the common good. Politics is only so good as the extent that each person does his or her part in the service of peace.'
Finally, Pope Francis asked the pilgrims to pray daily for peace. St. Peter's Square was so full that even the pope joked that it looked like a canonization day.
