St. Peter's Basilica celebrated its first Mass of 2023 on the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God with some traditional scenes, such as this group of children who came dressed as the Magi.
One of Pope Francis' first words in his homily was to pray for the soul of the late Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.
POPE FRANCIS
Today, we entrust our beloved Pope emeritus Benedict XVI to our Most Holy Mother, that she may acompany him in his passage from this world to God.
The Pope also prayed for those who struggle to come closer to God but do not succeed. He remembered those who continue to suffer around the world, especially those in Ukraine.
Pope Francis shared a concrete New Year's resolution to the pilgrims in the Basilica.
POPE FRANCIS
Today, at the beginning of the year, instead of sitting around thinking and hoping that things will change, we would do well to ask ourselves, 'This year, where do I want to go? To whom am I going to do good?' So many in the Church and society are waiting for the good that you, and only you, can give—your service.
The Pope said that, in the face of laziness, indifference and the risk of being idle, staring at a screen, today's priests get their hands dirty in order to do good.
Pope Francis invited people to be close to the elderly and their neighbors and to ask them not only about their work or their health but also about how they feel inside.
During the offertory, a group of children dressed as the Magi approached the Pope and presented the Eucharistic gifts.
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During the Angelus prayer after the Mass, Pope Francis once again dedicated his first words to Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.
POPE FRANCIS
The beginning of a new year is entrusted to Mary, Most Holy, whom we celebrate today as the Mother of God. In these times, we invoke her intercession, especially for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, who left this world yesterday morning.
Pope Francis said that Our Lady played a fundamental role in the life of the Pope emeritus and that from her we can learn how to live the new year.
POPE FRANCIS
How does Mary speak? What can we learn from her this coming year? We can say, Our Lady, teach us what we should do.
This is Mary's language—tenderly caring for the child, Jesus. This is Mary's greatness. While others celebrate, the shepherds rush in and praise God with a loud voice for the event that has happened, Mary does not speak.
She does not steal the show. On the contrary, she places the child at the center by caring for him with love.
St. Peter's Square was full of pilgrims from all over the world, like these young people with Spanish flags who couldn't help but cheer in front of the cameras.
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TR: KG
