At the end of the Holy Mass celebrated on the parvis of the Vatican Basilica for the canonization of seven Blesseds, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Angelus with the faithful and pilgrims present in Saint Peter’s Square.

The following are the Holy Father’s words introducing the Marian prayer:

Before the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters,

Before concluding this Holy Mass, I wish to greet and thank you all.

I thank the brother Cardinals and the very many bishops and priests from every part of the world.

My deferential gratitude goes to the official delegations of many countries, who have come to pay homage to the new saints, who have contributed to the spiritual and social progress of their respective nations. In particular I greet Her Majesty the Queen Sofia, the President of the Italian Republic, and the Presidents of Chile, El Salvador and Panama.

I address a special thought to His Grace Rowan Williams and to the delegation of the archbishop of Canterbury, with profound gratitude for their presence.

My greeting goes to all of you, dear pilgrims, as well as those who follow via radio and television. In particular, I greet the large group of ACLI, who were very grateful to Pope Paul VI.

And now let us address ourselves in prayer to the Virgin Mary, the first and perfect disciple of the Lord, to help us to follow the example of the new Saints.