The Pope's last audience before his Summer vacations was filled with emotion.
He received gifts such as this shawl...
...and this portrait.
In Italy, it is no longer required to wear a mask outside while socially-distanced. Though not everyone respected this rule due to the heat and excitement of the day.
During his General Audience, the Pope shared how a personal encounter with God gave St. Paul the freedom he needed.
Freedom to face challenges without fear of retribution, and the freedom to accept his past. In the saint's letter to the Galatians, he lists his past sins to show precisely how Jesus changed his life.
POPE FRANCIS
“We see that Paul is free, and free to announce the Gospel and also free to confess his past sins, saying: 'I was like that.' It is truth that frees the heart, it is the freedom of God”.
At the end of the Audience, the Pope publicly thanked his longtime driver who is retiring after working for the Vatican for decades.
POPE FRANCIS
'He started working here at 14 years old, he would come to work on a bicycle. Now he is the Pope's driver. He did all of this...applause for Renzo and his dedication'.
Pope Francis extended his thanks to all the laypersons who work in the Vatican.
Before saying goodbye he wished all of the pilgrims in attendance a good Summer vacation to strengthen their relationship with God.
Javier Romero
TR: JM
VM
