The celebration of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul began with the procession of newly appointed archbishops from around the world.
Voices from the Spanish boy's choir, Seises, joined those of the Sistine Chapel choir and the 'Coro Guida' during the celebration.
More than 30 archbishops appointed over the last year came to receive their pallium vestments blessed by the Pope.
During the homily, Pope Francis spoke of St. Peter's “yes” and how he followed Jesus immediately without asking for any guarantees.
POPE FRANCIS
It is by following the Lord that we learn about him every day. It is by becoming his disciples and accepting his Word that we become his friends and experience his transforming love. That 'immediacy' is important for us as well. If we put off so many things in life, following Jesus cannot be one of them. There, we cannot hesitate. We cannot make excuses.
The Pope also spoke of St. Paul's conversion. He added that the Apostle is an example for the Church's mission of evangelization.
POPE FRANCIS
It is good if we become an extroverted Church that does not find its joy in the things of the world, but in proclaiming the Gospel to the world, to sow in people's hearts the questions of God. Bringing the Lord Jesus everywhere, with humility and joy, in our city of Rome, in our families, in relationships and neighborhoods, in civil society, in the Church, in politics, in the whole world, especially where poverty, decay, and exclusion dwell.
Some Ukrainian diplomats' wives were also present at the Mass.
At the end, Pope Francis thanked the delegation of the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate sent by Patriarch Bartholomew for their presence.
PA
TR: KG
