Wednesday’s audience began in a different way. The pope came out in the popemobile to greet the faithful, but made a short stop before touring the entire square. Here's why…
Pope Leo paused before a large replica of the French shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, blessed it, and spoke with some of those responsible for bringing this work to the Vatican.
As he continued his traditional ride, something happened at one of the corners of the square. A child ran up to the pontiff, climbed next to him, and asked him to sign his flag, a tender moment that ended like this…
During the catechesis, Pope Leo applied the theme of the Resurrection of Christ to certain aspects of personal life.
POPE LEO XIV
We often hide our wounds out of pride or for fear of appearing weak. We say, “It doesn’t matter,” “it’s all in the past,” but we are not truly at peace with the betrayals that have hurt us. Sometimes we prefer to hide our struggle to forgive so as not to seem vulnerable and to avoid the risk of suffering again. Jesus did not. He offers his wounds as a guarantee of forgiveness.
After his message and greeting to the language groups, Pope Leo XIV prayed for Madagascar.
POPE LEO XIV
I am saddened by the news coming from Madagascar, about violent clashes between law enforcement and young demonstrators, which have caused the death of some of them and injuries to a hundred people. Let us pray to the Lord that every form of violence may always be avoided and that the constant pursuit of social harmony may be fostered through the promotion of justice and the common good.
At the end, he imparted his blessing to the young people, the sick, and the newlyweds, who greeted the pope and received his blessing for their recent marriage.
Trans. VL
