Pope Francis greeted pilgrims from the popemobile accompanied by the music of the band of Galati Mamertino, an Italian town.
In his speech, the Pope explained the importance of the theological virtues for the life of a Christian. He said that faith, hope and charity are gifts of the Holy Spirit who acts as an “interior teacher.”
POPE FRANCIS
The Christian is never alone. He does good not because of a titanic effort of personal commitment, but because, as a humble disciple, he walks behind the Master Jesus. He goes ahead on the way. The theological virtues are the great antidote to self-sufficiency.
At the end of his speech, the Pope improvised a few words about a situation that is of great concern to him.
POPE FRANCIS
We pray for the martyred Ukraine, which suffers so, so much. Young soldiers go to battle to die. We pray and pray also for the Middle East, for Gaza, which suffers so much in war, for peace between Palestine and Israel, that they may be two free states with good relations.
Pope Francis then bid farewell to the faithful with a blessing.
PA
TR: AT