October 19, 2011. (Romereports.com) During the general audience, Benedict XVI greeted the crowds in St. Peter's Square, around 15,000 people in total. He spoke to them about Psalm 136 known as the Great Hallel.

The pope noted the song was traditionally sung at end of the Passover meal, possibly even by Jesus and his disciples during the Last supper.


Benedict XVI
“The Psalm takes the form of a litany praising God's mighty deeds in the creation of the world and in the history of Israel; each reference to God's saving work is followed by the refrain: 'For his steadfast love endures for ever.'”

The pope then spoke about the flight of the Jewish people from Egypt into the promise land of Israel.

Benedict XVI
“It is God's faithful love, in fact, which is revealed in the ordered beauty of the universe and in the great events of Israel's liberation from slavery and the pilgrimage of the Chosen People to the land of promise.”

The pope greeted the pilgrims who traveled to Rome and invoked blessings of joy and peace. Many of the groups waved flags from their home countries and sang a chorus for the pope as he departed.