After the catechesis of today’s general audience, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims from different countries who attended in St. Peter’s Square, including the Sainte-Marie College from Paris, France, and the German-speaking faithful of the diocese of Osnabrück, as well as Arab-speaking pilgrims, especially those from Jordan and the Holy Land.

Among the Italians present, he recalled the Fathers of the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata, celebrating the bicentenary of its foundation; the Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena; the Caritas group from Livorno; children with Rett syndrome; numerous students and soldiers from the “Reos” Third Regiment of Viterbo. “Passing through the Holy Door reminds each one of us that only through Christ is it possible to enter into the love and mercy of the Father, Who welcomes and forgives all”.

As usual, he concluded with special greetings to the young, the sick and newly-weds, recalling that today is the commemoration of the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome. “Dear young people, pray for the Successor of Peter, so that he may always confirm brothers in faith; feel the Pope’s nearness in prayer, dear infirm, as you face the trials of ill health; teach the faith with simplicity to your children, dear newly-weds, nurturing it with love for the Church and for her pastors”.