Pilgrims are returning to Rome as the size of the crowds at the Pope's Sunday Angelus continues to grow.
After praying the Angelus, Pope Francis turned his attention to the situation in Ukraine, where Russia seems increasingly poised to invade the country.
POPE FRANCIS
The news coming out of Ukraine are very worrying. I entrust to the intercession of Our Lady and to the conscience of political leaders every effort of peace. Let us pray in silence.
Currently, an estimated 130,000 Russian troops have amassed along its border with Ukraine, and Western officials have warned that an invasion could take place at any moment.
The Pope also reflected on the day's Gospel passage, and said that Christians must live out the message of Christ joyfully.
POPE FRANCIS
This is the decisive trait of the disciple: the joy of the heart. Let’s not forget, the joy of the heart.
Pope Francis then greeted the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square from around the world, and in particular this large group from Portugal.
JM
