After today’s catechesis the Pope greeted the faithful from different countries present in St. Peter’s Square, and expressed his joy at receiving, among the French speakers, those from the diocese of Paris accompanied by their archbishop, Cardinal Vingt-Trois, along with the auxiliary bishops, those from other dioceses in France, and those from Switzerland. He also gave a cordial welcome to German speakers, especially the many young people and students from the Mädchen-Realschule Sankt Ursula of Augsburg.

“We are nearing the end of the month of October, dedicated to the prayer of the Rosary. This is a summary of Divine mercy. In the mysteries of the Rosary, with Mary, we contemplate the life of Jesus that radiates the mercy of the Father Himself. Let us rejoice in his love and forgiveness, receiving it in strangers and those in need, and let us live every day of His Gospel”.

Among the Italian-speaking pilgrims, he greeted the faithful from the diocese of Ivrea, accompanied by their bishop Edoardo Cerrato, the priests “fidei donum” of the diocese of Brescia, and the women religious participating in the meeting organised by the USMI, to whom he expressed his hope that their pilgrimage during the Holy Year may revive their communion with Peter’s Successor and with the universal Church, making them witnesses to Divine Mercy in their local churches.

He also mentioned the specialists from the Umberto I Hospital, with boys and girls affected by Apert Syndrome and their families, participants in the congress of the National Society for Organ Transplants, the association AccoglieRete of Siracusa, the Daughters of Charity with the children of the “Cuccioli d’Aquila” Family Home of Mollas in Albania and the many students present from various Italian schools.

“At the end of this month of October I would like to recommend the prayer of the Rosary. This simple Marian prayer shows you, dear young people, the way to interpret God’s will in your live; love this prayer, dear sick people, as it brings consolation to the mind and to the heart. May it become for you, dear newly-weds, a privileged moment of spiritual intimacy in your new family”.