Dear brothers and sisters, good morning. The square is so beautiful with the sun! How beautiful!
His greeting was heartfelt. This was the second time in 2021 that Pope Francis prayed the Angelus with pilgrims. The weather was better than the first time. Pope Francis has felt the lack of contact between him and pilgrims throughout the pandemic.
From a window of the apostolic palace he praised the president of Colombia’s initiative to help immigrants.
Iván Duque proposed a statute to provide 10 years of protection so undocumented immigrants from Venezuela can obtain legal status. There are an estimated 1.7 million in Colombia.
POPE FRANCIS
“This is not being done by a very rich, super developed country. No. It is being done by a country with many problems: of development, of poverty, of peace. Nearly 70 years of guerrilla war. But with this problem, they have had the courage to look at those migrants and make this statute. Thank you, Colombia. Thank you.”
The pope also said a few words about St. Valentine’s Day, which was being celebrated worldwide.
POPE FRANCIS
“And I cannot fail today, on St. Valentine’s Day, to extend a thought and greeting to couples, to those who are in love. I accompany you with my prayer, and I bless you.”
Before concluding, the pope reminded the faithful that Lent begins this Wednesday. He suggested taking advantage of this time to foster faith and hope during the current crisis.
Javier Romero
Translation: CT