The atmosphere in Verona's Bentegodi Stadium was marked by song and dance from the youth while the thousands in the audience awaited the arrival of Pope Francis.
In his homily, Pope Francis ditched his prepared remarks and instead spoke off-the-cuff about the power of the Holy Spirit. He pointed out that everyone must be willing to receive the Spirit and change, regardless of their age or life situation.
POPE FRANCIS
Father. I am 90 years old. I can no longer change. But how many days of life do you have left? I don't know. With just one day, the spirit can change your life, can change your heart. The spirit, first of all, is what changes our life. Do you understand? Yes.
This Mass was the Pope's last stop on his whirlwind one-day trip to the northern Italian city. Shortly after, he flew by helicopter back to the Eternal City.
AT/CA
